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United States Rifle, Model of 1903. 











































































































































How to Shoot 

The United States Rifle 

-AND- 

How to Care For It 


CAPTAIN GEORGE T. BOWMAN 
6th Cavalry, United States Army 


1914 

Franklin Hudson Publishing Company 
Kansas City, Mo. 





Copyright 1913 

By Captain George T. Bowman. 
All rights reserved. 


JUL -6 1914 $ Q rx3 


©CI.A379324 

ZisO / 



Contents. 


Chapter One.—Description of the United States Rifle.— 
Names of the Parts.—How to Take the Bolt and Mag¬ 
azine Mechanism Apart.—Cleaning and Oiling.9 

Chapter Two.—Care of the Rifle.—Instructions on Man¬ 
ipulation.—Precautions against Accidents.18 

Chapter Three.—Ammunition for the United States Rifle. 
—Loading and Firing.—The Motion of Bullets.22 

Chapter Four.—Sighting the Rifle.—BlacKening the Sights. 
—Sighting Exercises.27 

Chapter Five.—The Correct Positions for Firing the 
Rifle.—Position and Aiming Drills.—Practice in Aim¬ 
ing.—How to Squeeze the Trigger..,.38 

Chapter Six.—The Adjustment and Use of the Gun Sling..53 

Chapter Seven.—The Rear Sight and the Wind Gauge.. .56 

Chapter Eight.—Calling Shots.—Practice in Adjustments 
of the Rear Sight.—Short-Range, Mid-Range and Long- 
Range Targets.62 

Chapter Nine—The Zero of the Rifle.72 

Chapter Ten.—Normal Elevations.—Factors Which Influ¬ 
ence Elevations.76 

Chapter Eleven.—Designation land 1 Deflecting Effect of 

Winds.—Judging the Wind.81 

Chapter Twelve.—Cleaning the Rifle after Firing.85 

Chapter Thirteen.—Exercise and Care of Health.—Equip¬ 
ment and Accessories.—The Score Book.88 

Chapter Fourteen.—Suggestions to Riflemen on the Target 
Range . 92 


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INTRODUCTORY. 


To a country which no longer has the right to claim 
that it is a “Nation of Marksmen,” the trained rifle shot is 
a valued asset. In the olden days the rifle hung on the 
wall of every home and the men knew how to use t it. To¬ 
day the people of the United States are awakening to 
the fact that the young men of the present generation 
should learn in time of peace how to handle and shoot 
the modern rifle if these men are to he of assistance to 
their country as defenders in time of war. 

A course of instruction in shooting is one which trains 
the eye, steadies the nerves and encourages alertness and 
decision. No man can shoot who is intemperate in his 
habits. The natural desire of most young 1 men to shoot 
well and the liking of competition with their fellows 
result in an inclination toward temperate and regular 
living which is surely much to be wished for and is of 
inestimable advantage to any man. 

This little hook is not intended to replace any work 
on the subject of rifles and shooting. It merely puts into 
a readable, convenient and practical form the information 
which the beginner needs to know, whether he be the 
regular soldier, sailor or marine. National Guardsman, 
volunteer, college student, schoolboy or other novice. 

It places in one small book the vitally important in¬ 
formation which otherwise must be culled from hundreds 
of pages of The Description and Rules for the Manage¬ 
ment of the United States Rifle, The Small Arms Firing 
Manual, The Drill Regulations, The United States Army 
Regulations, The Target Range Pocket Book (from all of 
which extracts have been made), and the numerous books 
on rifle shooting, and in addition makes suggestions to 
the beginner which are the result of many years of rifle 
shooting and coaching. 

It also furnishes the instructor with a system of in¬ 
struction without' the necessity of searching through many 
books which contain much that he has nort the time, the 
opportunity nor the desire to digest. 

I have never commenced a season’s instruction of 
men on the subject of the rifle and shooting but that I 


7 


have had to go through many books and other publications, 
making notes of vital points to be brought to the attention 
of the men, arranging a systematic course of instruction 
which wou'd be valuable, progressive, and not too long. 

I have time and again felt the need of some reason¬ 
ably brief printed instructions, a copy of which icould be 
put into the hands of every man, tesliling him, “You study 
and tlhink about what this little book says; it will teach 
you all that you need to know to start you on the right 
road to high-class shooting; it will tell you how to clean 
your rifle and how to take, care of it; it will tell you the 
names of those parts which it is most important that 
you should know; it will tell you what to do and what 
to avoid in shooting, and it will give you the benefit of 
the experience gained on the range by men who have 
practiced shooting for a long time and who know whereof 
thej speak.” 

Target shooting is one of the best of sports for 
healthy, vigorous men, and the shooting of the present- 
day high-power military rifle is njo task for a weakling. 
It requires a strong man who has his muscles and nerves 
under control. It is a clean out-of-dooirs game which 
tends to improve its devotee both in mind and body. 

Take a look at the hundreds of young men assem¬ 
bled at any one of the great rifle competitions, men of 
all walks in life, shooters from the civilian rifle clubs, 
business and professional men, soldiers from the National 
Guard, the Army and the Navy. What kind of men are 
they? Good, strong, energetic fellows, well developed 
mentally and physically. They must lead the simple life 
in order to be in fit condition, and the outdoor exercise 
keeps them' in excellent health and spirits. You will 
find no hollow-eyed dyspeptics among them. Keen, alert, 
quick, fair and square must be the man Who would en¬ 
gage in the royal sport of shooting. 

GEO. T. BOWMAN, 
Captain 6th Cavalry, 
United States Army. 


8 



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CHAPTER ONE. 

Description of Rifle and Names of Parts. — How to Take the 
Bolt and Magazine Mechanism Apart. — Cleaning and 
Oiling^ 


The rifle in use by the United States Army and the 
National Guard of the various States is known as the 
United States Rifle, Mbdel of 1903. It is commonly called 
“The Springfield!” 

Each man should have a rifle issued to him. He 
only should fire that rifle, clean it and care for it. The 
best results can be obtained only when a man knows his 
rifle thoroughly and understands just how much to ex¬ 
pect from it. 

When the rifle is received, it will be found to be 
covered with cosmoline, and this thick greasy substance, 
which is inside and outside, must be thoroughly removed. 
For this purpose provide a bottle of gasoline, benzine or 
kerosene oil and plenty of rags. A small pine stick, 
sharpened at one end, will be found necessary to get into 
little corners and holes; a few toothpicks are a great 
convenience to have when cleaning. A bottle of Three- 
in-One oil will be necessary, aliso a brass cleaning rod, 
some Canton flannel or outing flahnel and, 1 a pair of 
scissors. 

After wiping the cosmoline from the surface of the 
rifle, the bolt is to be removed, taken apart and cleaned. 
On the left-hand side of the rifle will be found the Cut¬ 
off, on one side of which appears the word “On” and on 
the other side the word “Off.” When this cut-off is turned 
down, the word “Off” shows and the rifle is used as a 
single loader only, as the bolt cannot be drawn far enough 
to the rear to a'low the cartridges to arise from' the 
magazine. When the cut off is turned up and the word 
“On” shows, then the bolt may be pulled back to its 
rearmost position and the rifle is ready for loading from 
the magazine. When the cut-off is turned half-way up, 
the bolt may be drawn 'out, entirely. 

A little farther back than the Cut-off will be seen 
the Safety Lobk, on one side of which is the word 
“Ready” and on the other side the word “Safe.” When 

9 



this safety lock is turned to the left, it is inoperative; 
that is, it has no effect on the movement (of the holt, 
which may be opened or closed as desired. When the 
piece is cocked, the safety lock may be turned to the 
right, showing the word “Safe,” and the bolt then cannot 
be moved nor the rifle fired. If the safety lock is turned 
straight up to a vertical position, the bolt may be operated, 
but the rifle cannot be fired. The safety lock cannot be 
turned except when the piece is cocked. The rifle is 
cocked by raising the bolt handle or by pulling back the 
cocking piece with the thumb and fingers. Before re¬ 
moving the bolt from the rifle, the piece should be cocked 
and the safety lock turned straight up. 

To Remove the Bolt. —Place the Cut-off at the center 
notch, cock the arm, turn the safety lock straight up, 
raise the bolt handle (Fig. 5), and draw out the bolt. 



Fig. 5, 


Hold the bolt in the left hand, press sleeve lock in 
with the thumb of right hand to unlock sleeve from bolt 
and turn sleeve to the left, then take hold of cocking 
piece with the right hand (Fig. 6), and unscrew sleeve from 
the bolt by turning to the left. 


10 





Pig. 6. 


Hold the sleeve between forefinger and thumb of the 
left (hand, draw the cocking piece back with the middle 
finger and thumb of right hand, turn thei safety lock down 
to the left with the forefinger of the right hand, in order 
to allow the cocking piece to move forward in the sleeve, 
thus partially relieving the tension of the mainspring. 

Place the cocking piece against the breast, draw back 
the firing pin sleeve with, the forefinger and thumb 1 of 
right hand and hold it in this position (Fig. 7), while re¬ 
moving the striker with the left hand. The striker is 
merely^ lifted off the end of the firing pin, and turning the 
striker is not necessary. 


11 








STRIKER. 



It will be noticed that one end of the firing pin sleeve 
is roughened so that thumb and forefinger may get a good 
hold upon it. 

Remove firing pin sleeve and mainspring from the 
firing pin and then pull the firing pin out of the sleeve. 

To take the extractor from the bolt, turn the extractor 
to the right, forcing its tongue out of the groove in the 
front of the bolt, then holding the bolt in the right hand, 
place the end of the right thumb against the rear end of 
the extractor (Pig. 8) and force it forward and off the 
bolt. 


12 














Fig. 8. 


Wet a piece of rag with some gasoline and thoroughly 
clean the parts of the holt, removing the cosmoline with 
which they were greased, and then wipe dry. Uise a 
pointed stick or toothpicks to get into all the little 
openings and crevices. 

Apply a light coating of Three-in-One oil to all parts 
of the bolt mechanism before putting it together. The oil 
may be applied by rubbing the parts with a piece of cot¬ 
ton cloth upon which a few drops of oil have been placed, 
or by wetting the finger with oil and rubbing! it on the 
parts. Avoid an excessive use of oil, as it is not only un¬ 
necessary and wasteful, but wilill also result in the parts 
becoming gummed and sticky, allow dust to stick to the 
parts, and when the trigger is squeezed the excess oil is 
very liable to spray out into the eves of the shooter, which 
will greatly interfere with the accuracy of his next shot. 
Always keep the working parts lightly oiled and any part 
that may appear to move hard can generally be freed by 
the us© of a little oil. 1 

To replace the extractor on the bolt, grasp with the 
left hand the rear of the bolt, handle up, and turn the 
extractor collar with the thumb and forefinger of the right 
hand until its lug is on a line with the safety lug of the 
bolt; take the extractor in the right hand and insert the 
I'ug on the collar into the undercuts in the extractor by 
pushing the extractor to the rear until its tongue comes 
in contact with the rim on the face of the bolt. The 
putting on of the extractor will be found to be quite dif¬ 
ficult unless pressure is applied witth the left thumb oh 


13 





the top of the rear part of the extractor, which part is 
thin and “springy.” That pressure is really the secret of 
the whole operation, and when applied the extractor will 
slip on quite easily. Turn the extractor to the right until 
it is over tlhe right lug. Take the bolt in the right hand 
and press the hook of the extractor against the butt plate 
(see Fig. 9) or some other rigid object, applying the pres¬ 
sure so that the extractor will be forced upwards as well 
as backwards, until the tongue on the extractor enters 
its groove in the bolt. 



Fig. 9. 


Afteij they have been cleaned and oiled, put the firing 
pin into the sleeve, first turning the safety lock down 
to the left to permit the firing pin to enter the sleeve as 
far as possible. Place the cocking piece against the 
breast, (see Fig. 7), put on the mainspring with the left 
hand, and then, while holding tlhe mainspring back with 
the left hand, pick up and put on the firing pin sleeve 
with the right hand, the roughened end towards the main¬ 
spring, pushing strongly towards the body and being care¬ 
ful not to let the spring force the firing pin sleeve off the 
firing pin, as it may jump some distance away and be lost; 
pick up the' striker with the left hand and place it on the 
end of the firing pin. Many men' at first find it a difficult 
operation to assemble these parts, but if these instructions 
are followed in detail, there will be no trouble experienced. 
Be sure to turn the safety lock down to the left and to 
hold the spring back strongly. 

Holding the sleeve with the right hand, place the 
point of the striker against some substance which is not 


14 





hard enough to injure it (wood is very good) and press 
down, thus compressing the mainspring and forcing back 
the cocking piece until the safety lock can be turned to 
the vertical position with the thumb and fingers of the 
left hand. While pressing down look for the locking 
groove on the cocking piece and turn the safety look at 
the right moment. 

Take the bolt in the left hand and, holding the cock¬ 
ing piece in the right hand, insert the firing pin in the bolt 
and by' turning to the right, screw up the sleeve until the 
sleeve lock enters its notch on the bolt. 

Lay the bolt aside until the balance of the rifle is 
cleaned. - 

Jujst in front of the trigger guard will be seen a 
small hole in the magazine floor plate, through which 
hole the floor plate catch is visible. With the bullet end 
of a cartridge, or with a small screwdriver, press on this 
catch, pressing downwards and backwards; this releases 
the floor plate and it is then removed from the rifle with 
the magazine spring and follower attached to it. 

Remove the magazine spring from the floor plate by 
raising the rear end of the first limb of the magazine 
spring high enough to clear the lug on! the floor plate 
and draw it out of its mortise; proceed in the same man¬ 
ner to remove the follower. 

After cleaning, wipe the magazine spring, follower and 
floor plate with an oiled rag and then replace the follower 
and floor plate on the magazine spring. Notice that the 
smaller end of the magazine spring slides into the under¬ 
cuts on the follower and the larger end fits in the same 
way'into the undercuts in the floor plate. 

Lay the magazine spring and the parts attached to 
it aside until the balance of the rifle is cleaned. 

Clean all the cosmoline from the rifle, finishing with 
the inside of the barrel, which is called the bore. 

In cleaning the bore use a brass cleaning rod and 
patches of outing flannel cloth cut with the scissors into 
pieces about 2 inches square. If the heavier Canton flan¬ 
nel is used, the patches must be smaller. The exact size 
will soon be determined by a few trials. If the patches 
are too small, they will not clean the bore effectively; 

15 


while if too Targe, they are quite liable to become jammed 
in the bore and cause some trouble before they can be 
extracted. If a patch becomes wedged in the bore and 
cannot be moved in either direction, pour some oil down 
the barrel and let it remain until the piece of cloth is 
thoroughly soaked. It can then he pushed out easily with 
the cleaning rod. 

Always clean the bore from the breech and never from 
the muzzle. When cleaning, rest the muzzle on a piece of 
soft wood, which will prevent injury to the muzzle and 
keep the grease from the floor. 

To make sure that the muzzle is well cleaned use a 
short round stick of soft wood upon the end of which 
patches of the cleaning cloth are placed and inserted into 
the muzzle, pushed back and forth and twisted around a 
few times. This will insure the cleaning of the muzzle 
end of the bore, which the cleaning rod may not have 
reached well enough for perfect cleaning. 

iBlace a small piece of white paper in the lower end 
of the receiver to reflect the light into the bore of the 
rifle. Look into the barrel from the muzzle to see that 
the bore is clean,, and bright. 

The barrel is a little more than 24 inches long and 
the bore is rifled. The rifling consists of four plain 
grooves which are only a two-hundred-fiftieth of an inch 
in depth and not quite a sixth of an inch in width. The 
lands are the parts of the bore between the grooves and 
are one-third as wide as the groove. The rifling makes one 
complete turn around the bore in every 10 inches. The 
rifle is .30 caliber, which means that the diameter of 
the bore is thirty one-hundredths of an inch. 

To Replace Magazine Mechanism. —Insert the follower 
and magazine spring in the magazine, place the tenon 
on the front end of the floor plate in the recess in the. 
magazine, then place the lug on the rear end of the floor 
plate in its slot in the guard, and press the rear end of 
the floor plate forward and inward at the same time, 
forcing the floor plate into its seat in the guard. 

To Replace the Bolt in the Rifle.— See that the cut-off 
is at the center notch; hold the rifle under the floor plate 
in the fingers of the left hand, the thumb extending over 

16 


the left side of the receiver; take the bolt in the right 
hand with safety lock in a vertical position and safety lug 
up; press rear end of follower down with left thumb and 
push bolt into the receiver; lower the bolt handle; turn 
safety lock and cut-off down to the left with the right 
hand; let down the firing pin by squeezing the trigger 
with the forefinger of the right hand, holding the cocking 
piece With the right thumb in order that firing pin may be 
let down gently and without jar. 

No further dismounting of the rifle should be at¬ 
tempted by the beginner. The stock should never be 
removed except for making repairs, and then only by 
some selected and instructed man. 


17 


CHAPTER TWO. 


Care of the Rifle.—Instructions on Manipulation.—Precau¬ 
tions against Accidents. 


It must be borne in mind that the rifle is a machine, 
a piece of very delicate mechanism, and it should be 
handled accordingly. 

Always look at the rifle; a rifleman should never let 
his rifle look at him. 

Never point a rifle, loaded or unloaded, at anyone, 
unless it is intended to kill him. 

Nearly all accidents; With firearms are Jfcaused by 
lack of ordinary care. 

Every rifle should be considered as loaded until it has 
been examined and found to be not loaded. 

In the military service it is required that, to prevent 
accidents, the bolt be drawn back and magazine examined 
when details, detachments and other bodies of troops are 
first formed and again just before they are dismissed. 

It should be an invariable mile for every man to follow 
whenever he takes up a rifle, even though he is positive 
that it is not loaded, that he open the bolt and assure 
himself that there are no cartridges in the.’chamber or the 
magazine. When the rifle is to be put away, the bolt 
should agaip be opened , 1 and when it is seen that the rifle 
is empty, the bolt is to be closed and the firing pin let 
down. 

No rifle should be laid away or put into an arm- 
rack when it is co'cked, as there is always the liability 
that it may be loaded; and again, the compression of the 
mainspring will tend to weaken it, and in time it will 
not have force enough to explode a cartridge. 

When leaving the firing point after firing, the bolt 
should always be open, so that all may see that the rifle 
is empty. 

On the target range do not aim at the targets When 
in rear of the firing points. The practice of aiming and 


18 



snapping at the targets while in rear of men who are at 
thd firing points Should never be permitted. ! 

Soldiers are not allowed to carry the rifle loaded, nor 
with cartridges in the magazine, except when specially 
ordered. 

Under no circumstances should the firing pin be let 
down by the hand on a cartridge in the chamber. 

If it is necessary to carry the rifle cocked, with a 
cartridge in the chamber, the bolt mechanism must be 
secured by turning the safety lock to the ri^ht. 

The rifle is carried habitually with the firing pin let 
down on an empty chamber. It must never be carried 
cocked and unlocked, even though it is known to be not 
loaded. 

The bolt must be drawn fully to the rear in opening 
it, otherwise the empty shell will not be thrown out by 
the ejector and when the bolt is closed it will not catch 
the top cartridge in the magazine. 

In closing the bolt, be sure that the handle is down; 
if the handle is not down, when the trigger is squeezed 
the force of the mainspring will be expended in closing 
the bolt instead of in exploding the cartridge. For the 
same reason, care must be used to avoid an unintentional 
raising of the bolt handle with the hand when aiming. 

In case oJj a misfire, it is unsafe to draw back the 
bolt immediately, as it may be a case of hang-fire, and 
the cartridge may explode while the bolt is being opened, 
with disastrous results. Whenever the cartridge fails to 
explode, the rifle should be cocked by drawing back the 
cocking piece with the thumb and forefinger of the right 
hand and the trigger again squeezed. 

The cut-off is kept turned “Off” except when actu¬ 
ally using cartridges. In simulated loading and firing the 
motions are made as though the magazine were in use. 
When cartridges are to be used, the instructor cautions the 
men to turn the cut-off “On.’* 

When the bolt is closed, or when it is slightly forward, 
the cut-off may be turned down or up as desired. When 
the bolt is in its rearmost position and it is desired to pass 
from loading from the magazine to single loading, first 


19 


force the top cartridge—or the follower, if there are no 
cartridges in the magazine—below the reach of the bolt; 
next push the bolt slightly forward and then turn the 
cut-off down, showing “Off.” 

The muzzle is a very important part of the rifle and 
must be carefully guarded against damage. It is rounded 
to protect the rifling and any injury to it must be avoided. 
Any little damage to the muzzle is liable to injure the 
rifling, allow the gases to escape unevenly, and the shoot¬ 
ing qualities of the rifle are ruined. 

Never use emery cloth or any other harsh abrasive 
in the bore, which must be kept rfean and well oiled, so 
as to avoid rust. 

Tompionis or plugs of cloth, wood or other material 
should not be put into the muzzle of the rifle. 

Always use great care to prevent damage to the front 
and rear sights. A blow on either sight from a fall or 
other accident is liable to render the rifle useless as an 
accurate shooting weapon until repairs are made. 

When not actually in use, the rear sight leaf must be 
laid down. Do not carry the rifle with the rear sight 
leaf standing up. The leaf is to be handled gently and 
lowered with care, not slammed down. 

In lowering the rifle to the ground, it must always be 
lowered gently. Allowing the piece to drop through the 
right hand to the ground, or other similar abuse of the 
rifle, is prohibited. 

Use the rifle as a rifle and for no other purpose. 
Using it as a rest to sit on or as a mallet to drive tent 
stakes is sure to ruin its accuracy. 

Avoid the bad practice of “snapping” on an empty 
chamber. When practicing the trigger-squeeze exercise, 
use dummy cartridges. 

The stock and hand guard must be protected from 
moisture and consequent swelling; they may be coated 
with raw linseed oil and polished by rubbing with the 
hand. This oil is considered necessary for the preser¬ 
vation of the wood. Wax or varnish, including heelball, 
must not be used on the rifle. 

The Regulations for the Army of the United States 
prohibit the polishing of blued or browned parts of small 


20 


arms, refolding or rebrowning, putting any portion of 
an arm in the fire or removing a receiver from a barrel. 
The mutilation of any part by filing or otherwise and at¬ 
tempts to beautify or change the finish are also prohib¬ 
ited. It is required that rifles ‘ will be unloaded before 
being taken to quarters or tents and as soon as the men 
using them are relieved from duty, unless otherwise 
ordered.” 


21 


CHAPTER THREE. 


Ammunition for the United States Rifle.—Loading and 
Firing.—The Motion of Bullets. 


The Ball Cartridge, Model of 1906. 



The caliber .30 Ball Cartridge consists of the brass 
case, the primer in the rear end of the cartridge case, a 
charge of from 47 to 50 grains of smokeless powder, giv¬ 
ing an initial velocity of 2700 feet a second, and a bullet 
weighing 150 grains, made of a lead and tin composition 
covered with a jacket of cupro-niekel. Five cartridges 
are packed in a clip. 


The Blank Cartridge, Model of 1906. 



Fig. 11. 


The Blank Cartridge, model of 1906, differs from the 
ball cartridge in the charge of powder, in the bullet, 
and in the fact that the case is tinned. The bullet is of 
paper, hollow, and contains a small charge of smokeless 
powder, which insures the breaking up of the bullet on 
leaving the bore. This charge is retained in the bullet 
by a drop of shellac. A coating of paraflin on the outside 
of the bullet prevents the absorption of moisture by the 
paper. The propelling charge is 10 grains. 


22 

























The Blank Cartridge, Model of 1909. 



Fig. 12. 


In the manufacture of these blank cartridges, cases 
are used which have been fired, or which have slight 
defects, rendering them unsuitable for use in ball cart¬ 
ridges. The charge is 12 grains. The case is closed by 
means of a paper cup inserted in the mouth of the case 
and shellacked to render the ammunition waterproof. 


The Dummy Cartridge. 



Fig. 13. 


The Dummy Cartridges are used for practice in load¬ 
ing and simulated firing. They are especially useful in 
practicing the manipulation for rapid fire. The case is 
tinned and provided with six longitudinal corrugations, 
also three circular holes in the corrugated portion. The 
tinning, corrugations and holes afford unmistakable means 
for distinguishing the dummy from the ball cartridge, both 
by sight and touch. The bullet is the same as in the ball 
cartridge. 


23 



















The Guard Cartridge, Old Model. 



The old model Guard Cartridge, for use by sentinels 
when on guard duty, differs from the ball cartridge in 
the charge of powder and in the fact that second-class 
bullets haying slight imperfections are used. Five can¬ 
nelures encircle the body of the case at about the middle, 
affording means for distinguishing it from the ball cart¬ 
ridge by either sight or touch. The smaller charge of 
powder gives an initial velocity of 1200 feet a second. 
This cartridge gives good results at 100 yards and has 
sufficient accuracy for use at 150 and 200 yards. The 
range of 100 yards;requires a sight elevation of 450 yards, 
and ranges of 200 and 300 yards require elevations of 
650 and 850 yards, respectively. 


The Guard Cartridge, New Model. 



Fig. 15. 


The new model Guard Cartridge differs from the 
old model in that six longitudinal corrugations three- 
sixteenths of an inch long start from the shoulder of the 
case. This affords means of distinguishing the guard 
cartridge from the ball cartridge. The new model has 
the same charge of powder, initial velocity, etc., as the 
old model. 


24 


























Loading and Firing the Rifle. 

To load the rifle, raise the bolt handle and draw 
back the bolt after turning- the cut-off up, showing “On.” 
Take a clip of cartridges with the right 'hand and insert 
the end in the clip slots, place the thumb on the center 
of the powder space of the top cartridge, the fingers ex¬ 
tending around the rifle with tips resting on the maga¬ 
zine floor plate; force the cartridges into the magazine by 
a steady downward pressure of the thumb. It is important 
that the thumb be placed in the right position on the 
top cartridge, as the cartridges will jam together or spread 
apart if the thumb be placed too far forward or to the 
rear, resulting in a delay in loading. 

The bolt may be thrust home without removing the 
empty clip, but it is better to pull the clip out with the 
fingers before closing the bolt. 

Glosing the bolt forces the top cartridge into the 
chamber, the parts occupy the position shown in Fig. 4, 
and the rifle is ready to be fired. 

When the trigger is squeezed, the sear nose is with¬ 
drawn from in front of the cocking piece, which moves 
forward rapidly, causing the point of the stbiker to hit 
the primer, which explodes. 

« 

The Projectile Force. 

The explosion of the primer sets fire to the powder, 
which gives rise by the decomposition of the powder to 
a large amount of gas, which, being highly elastic, en¬ 
deavors to occupy a space much greater than that in 
which the powder was contained, and consequently exerts 
considerable pressure in every direction. The pressure 
to the rear causes the recoil or “kick”; the pressure to 
the front forces the bullet from the cartridge case, 
through the bore and out of the muzzlie, the grooves caus¬ 
ing the bullet to rotate from left to right. This pressure, 
called the projectile force, causes the bullet to move 
with ever-increasing speed until it issues from the barrel 
of the rifle, at which time it is moving at the rate of 
2700 feet a second, that being the initial velocity of the 
present ammunition. 


25 


The Line of Fire. 

M, after leaving the muzzle, the bullet were sub¬ 
jected to no other forces, it would continue to /move in a 
straight line, following the direction of the axis of the 
bore, which is called the line of fire, and. with a velocit} r 
the same as the initial, velocity. 

Resistance of the Air.—Force, of Gravity.—Trajectory. 

• Upon issuing from the muzzle of the rifle the bullet 
is influenced by the resistance of the air, which gradually 
diminishes the velocity of the bullet, and by the force 
of gravity, which changes the direction of the bullet by 
drawing it toward the earth, making its path through the 
air a curved line. This actual path which the bullet 
follows is called the trajectory. 

As the bullet ini its flight continually falls below the 
line of fire, if is evident that if the line of fire be directed 
on any object, the bullet will not hit it., but willl strike 
below it. To counteract this fall of the bulllet, the line 
of fire must be directed as much above the object as the 
bullet would strike below it if the line of fire were laid 
directly upon the object. 

It is necessary^ that the object be kept in view as 
the direction of the line of fire is altered, and to accom¬ 
plish this the eye must be so far raised above the breech 
as to see the object over the muzzle of the rifle. The 
rear sight is employed to fix; the position of the eye when 
the line of fire is directed for an object at different 
distances. 


26 


CHAPTER FOUR. 

Sighting the Rifle. — Blackening the Sights. — Sighting 

Exercises, 

i _ 

Before a shot is fired, it is necessary to learn how 
to sight the rifle at the object which it is : desired to hit. 

A straight line passing through the middle of the 
notch of the open rear sight, or the center,of the peep, 
and the top of the front sight is called the line of jsight. 

The line of aim is the straight line through the mid¬ 
dle of the notch of the open rear sight, or the center of 
the peep, and a point immediately below the mark (or 
object to be hit) and separated from it by a line of 
light. When; looking along the line of aim, the top o^ the 
front sight is brought into this line,- it is said to be “on 
the mark/’ If the sights are properly set, the mark will 
then be struck. 

A point just below the mark, and not the mark itself, 
is taken as the point of aim, as. it is impossible to know, 
if touching the mark with the top of the front sight, how 
much of the front sight is seen. Always see a well-defined 
line of light between the mark and the top of the front 
sight. 

The Sighting Bar. 


I 


Q0 


0 


0 



Fig. 16. 
27 






In studying the different kinds of sight which may 
be taken, a Sighting Bar will be found toi be of great 
assistance. It can be easily made and consists of: 

fa) A bar of wood about 1 by 2 inches by 4 feet, 
with a thin slot 1 inch deep cut across the edge about 
20 inches from one end. 

(b) A front sight of tin y 2 by 3 inches tacked to the 
end nearest slot and projecting 1 inch above bar. 

(c) An eyepiece of tin 1 by 3 inches tacked to the 
other end of and projecting 1 inch above the bar, with 
a very small hole (0.03 inch) y 2 inch from top of part pro- 
jecting above bar. This hole may be made with a small 
nail. 

(d) An open rear sight of tin 1 y 2 by 3 inches, with 
a U-sihaped notch 94 inch wide cut in. the middle of one) of 
the long edges. This is placed in the silot on the bar. 
A slight bend of the part of the tin fitting in the slot 
will give; enough friction to hold the sight in any part 
of the slot in which it is placed. 

(e) A ipeep rear sight of tin 3 by 3 inches, with a 
peephole 94 inch in diameter cut in the center. This 
replaces the open sight when the peep sight is shown. 

Carefully blacken al'l 1 pieces of tin and the top of the 
bar. Nail the bar to' a box about 1 foot high and place 
on the ground, tablle or other suitable place. 

On the wall about five yards away fasten a sheet of 
white paper with a black bull’s-eye about two-thirds of 
an inch in diameter. (If a Y target can be obtained, it 
is just the right size for this purpose.) 

Adjust the ^heet of paper in such a position on the 
wall that when looking through the small hole in the tin 
eyepiece, the bull’s-eye is seen slightly above the tin 
front sight, showing a line of white between the black 
bull’s-eye and the blackened front sight of tin. 

Next place the tin open rear sight in the slot, adjust¬ 
ing it so that a fine sight, as shown in Fig. 17, Will be 
seen when! looking through the eyepiece. 



Fig. 17. 

Fine Sight. —When oniliy the tip of the front sight is 
seen above the bottom of the rear sight notch. This form 
of sighting is not recommended. 

The tin open rear sight is then pushed down a little 
in the slot until the top of the tin front sight is level 
wtith the top of the rear sight. Then the half sight, as 
shown in Fig. 18, may be seen. 



Fig. 18. 


Half Sight. —When the top of the front sight, seen 
through the center of the rear sight notch, is in line with 
the top of the rear sight notch. This is known as the nor¬ 
mal sight. I 

By pushing the tin open rear sight further down in 
the slotj a full sight, as shown in Fig. 19, is seen. 

29 










Fig. 19. 


Full Sight. —When all of the front' sight is seen 
through the center of the rear sight notch. This form of 
sighting is a fault which should he carefully avoided. 

Before removing the tin open rear sight, it may be 
shifted a little to one side, illustrating the error of not 
■sighting through the center of the rear sight notch. 

Next place the tin peep rear sight in the slot, adjusting 
it so that a peep sight, as shown in Fig. 20, will be seen. 








Peep Sight. —When the top of the front sight is seen 
in the center of the peep hole. 

Moving the tin) peep rear sight 'up, down and to the 
side will illustrate incorrect methods of sighting when 
using the peep sight. 

Regular results in firing can be obtained only 
when the same amount of front sight is taken each time. 

In slighting, look through the rear sight, keep 1 your 
eye fixed on the bull’s-eye, and bring the front sight into 
line. Do not fix the eye upon the front sight. 

The eye can be focused accurately upon objects at but 
one distance at a time; all other objects in the field of 
view will appear more or less blurred, depending on their 
distance from the eye. This can be readily seen if a 
pencil is placed in the field of view near the eye, while 
looking at some distant object. The pencil will appear 
blurred. This is the condition met with by the normal 
eye in sighting a rifle. If the eye is focused on one of 
the three points—the bull’s-eye, the front slight, or the 
rear sight—the other two will appear bl'iurred. This blur¬ 
ring effect is best overcome by using the peep sight as 
though looking through a window and focusing the eye on 
the bulPs-eye. The blurring of the peephole will be con¬ 
centric, giving a clear and easily defined center. The 
blurring of the front sight will be less, but symmetrical 
on both sides, with very little blur on the top. It can 
be readily and naturally brought to the center of the 
peephole. Variations in light also have less effect on the 
peep than on the open sight. 

But the limited field of view and lack of readiness 
in getting a quick aim wth the peep sight necessitate for 
some men the use of the open sight—especially for rapid 
fire, and field practice. In this case the normal sight 
should be habitually used, as the horizontal line at the 
top of the notch of the rear sight affords a good guide 
for regularity, the blurring effect is partly overcome as 
in the peep sight, and there is more light than with the 
fine sight'. With the fine sight the iamount of front 
sight, apparently the same to the eye, varies with the 


amount of light. With the full sight there is no guide 
for regularity. 

The effect* of the full sight is to cause a higher point 
of the object aimed at to be struck than if either of the 
other kinds of sight had been taken. The fine sight will 
cause a lower point to be struck. 

Blackening the Sights. 

The front and rear sights ■should be blackened for 
sighting and aiming exercises and before shooting. The 
smoke from a small piece of burning gum camphor gives 
the most satisfactory dead black, although the blacken¬ 
ing may be done by using a candle, the burner of an oil 
lantern or matches. Liquid sight black is not recom¬ 
mended, as it is difficult to apply smoothly and is apt to 
spoil the outline of the peephole. Wipe the sights before 
blackening, cleaning out the peeitfiole with a toothpick or a 
match. After blackening the rear sight, raise the slide 
and wipe off the uprights of the leaf, so that the numbers 
and lines can be easily seen. Wipe off the wind gauge 
scale. 


Sighting Exercises. 

These exercises will be found to be interesting and 
very valuable, particularly where several men are being 
instructed in the correct methods of sighting the rifle. 
A Sighting Rest for the rifle (Fig. 21) can be made.by 
taking an empty revolver-ammunition box or a similar 
well-made box, removing the top and cutting notches in 
the ends to closely fit the rifle. It is better to pad the 
notches with cloth, which will prevent the rifle slipping 
or becoming scratched. 


32 


Fig. 21. 

Place the rifle in these notches with the trigger-guard 
close to and outside one end. Nail a piece of board (top 
of box will do) to a stake or wall about 12 inches^ from 
the ground. Fasten a blank sheet of paper to the board. 
The instructor places the sighting rest firmly on the 
ground, 20 or 30 feet from the board, so that the rifle is 
not canted to the right or the left—the box may be 
weighted with sand if necessary—raises the rear sight 
leaf and sights the rifle at about the center of the blank 
sheet of paper. Changes in the line of sight for different 
men are made by' changing the elevation and windage. 

A man lies down with elbows on the ground, hands 
supporting the head, and the eye the same distance from 
the rear sight as in shooting. Another man, acting as 
marker, is provided with a pencil 1 and a small rod bearing 
a disk of white carboard about 3 inches in diameter, with 
a black bull’s-eye, about an inch in diameter, pierced in 
the center with a hole just large enough to admit the 

33 














point of a lead pencil. The man sighting directs the 
marker to move the disk to the right, flleft, higher or 
lower, until the rifle is directed on the bull's-eye with a 
half sight, and then says, ‘‘Hold." The marker holds the 
disk. carefully in place until the position is verified by 
the instructor. Errors, if any, will be explained and an¬ 
other trial made. This is done in turn by each man. 

Men will sometimes be found who do not know how 
to place the eye in the line of sight; they often look over 
or along one side of the notch of the rear sight and 
believe they are aiming through the notch because they 
see it at the same time that they do the front sight. 
This error will probably be made evident by the preced¬ 
ing exercise. Some men in sighting will look at the front 
sight and not at the object. As this causes a blur, which 
prevents the object from being distinctly seen and in¬ 
creases both the difficulties and inaccuracies of sighting, 
it should be corrected. 

Repeat the above exercise, using the peep sight in 
place of the open sight. 


The Triangle of Sighting. 

Using the sighting rest for the rifle, each man is 
required to direct the marker to move the disk until the 
rifle is directed just below the bull's-eye with a half sight, 
when the man sighting says, “Mark.’’ At the command 
“Mark,” being careful not to move the disk, the marker 
puts the point of his pencil through the hole in the center 
of the disk, makes a dot on the paper to mark the posi¬ 
tion of the disk, which is then withdrawn; being careful 
not to move the rifle or sights, the operation is repeated 
until three marks have been made. 

Join the three points determined as above by straight 
lines, mark with the man’s name, and caflfl his attention 
to the triangle thus formed. The shape and size of this 
triangle will indicate the nature of the variations made 
in aiming. < 


34 



Fig. 22. 


Fig. 23. 


If the triangle is obtuse-angled, with its sides ap¬ 
proaching the vertical (Fig. 22), the man has not taken a 
uniform amount of front sight. If the sides of the triangle 
are more nearly horizontal (Fig. 23), the errors were prob¬ 
ably caused bv not looking through the middle of the 
notch or not over the top of the front sight. If any one 
of the sides of the triangle is longer than V 2 inch, the 
instructor directs the ' exercise to be repeated, verifying 
each sight and calling the man’s attention to his errors. 
The instructor will explain that the sighting gains in reg¬ 
ularity as the triangle becomes smaller. 

If the sides of the triangle are so small as to indicate 
regularity in sighting, the instructor will mark the center 
of the triangle and then place the center of the bull’s-eye 
on this mark. The instructor will then examine the posi¬ 
tion of the bull’s-eye with reference to the line of sight. 
If the bull’s-eye is properly placed with reference to the 
line of sight, the man aims correctly and with uniformity. 
If not so placed, he aims in a regular manner, but with a 
constant error. 

If the bull’s-eye is directly above its proper position, 
the man has taken, in aiming, too little front sight; or, if 
directly below, too much front sight. If directly to the 
right or left, he has not sighted through the center of 
the rear sight notch and over the top of the front sight. 
If to the right, he has probably either sighted along the 
left of the rear sight notch, or the ri.^ht. side of the front 
sight, or has committed both of these errors. If the 
bull’s-eye is too far to the left, he has probably sighted 


35 


along the right of the rear sight notch, or the left of the 
front sight, or has combined both of these errors. 

If the bull’s-eye is placed with reference to its proper 
position diagonally above and to the right, the man has 
probably combined the errors which placed it too high and 
too far to the right. Any other diagonal position would 
be produced by a similar combination of vertical and hori¬ 
zontal errors. 

As the errors thus shown are committed when the 
rifle is fixed in position-, -while that of the bull’s-eye or tar¬ 
get is altered, their effect will be directly opposite to the 
changes in the location of a hit in actual fire, occasioned 
by the same errors, when the target Would be fixed and 
the rifle moved in aiming. 

After the above instruction has been given to one 
man, the line of sight will be slightly changed by moving 
the sighting rest or by changing the elevation and wind¬ 
age, and the > exercises similarly repeated with the others. 

Repeat the exercise, using the peep sight. 

Canting the Rifle. 

When aiming, it is very necessary that the rifle be 
not canted, or tilted, to the right or left. The sights must 
be kept vertical. The tendency to cant the rifle is natural 
to beginners and is frequently increased when the sling is 
used as an aid in holding the rifle. If the piece is canted 
to the right, the bullet will strike to the right and below 
the point aimed at, even though the gun be otherwise 
correctly aimed and the sights correctly set. Similarly 
if the rifle is canted to the left, the bullet will strike to 
the left and low. The elevation fixes the height of the 
point, where the bullet will hit. the target, and the wind¬ 
ages fixes the point to the right or left—i. e., the elevation 
gives vertical effects and the windage horizontal effects. 
Let a pencil (or rod) held vertical represent the eleva¬ 
tion; now if the pencil is turned to the right 90 degrees, 
or horizontal, all of the elevation has been taken off, 
causing the shot to strike low, and changed into windage, 
causing the shot to strike to the right. 

This effect miay be practically demonstrated as fol¬ 
lows: Use the sighting rest with the rifle firmly held 


36 


m the notches, the holt removed. Paste a black paster 
near the center of r,he bottom line of the target. Sight 
the rifle on this mark, using about 2,000 yards elevation; 
then, being careful not to move the rifle, look through the 
bore and direct the marker to move the disk until the 
bulPs-eve is in the center of the field of view and com¬ 
mand, “Mark.” Next turn the rest with the rifle on its 
side (say right), and with the same elevation sight on 
the same paster as above; then, being careful not to move 
the rifle, look through the bore and direct the marker again 
to move the disk until the bull’s-eye ’'s in the center of the 
field of view, and command, “Mark.” 

Not considering the fall of the bullet, the first mark 
represents the point struck with the sight vertical, the 
second mark represents the point struck, low and to the 
right, using the same elevation and the same point of 
aim, when the piece is canted 90 degrees to the right. 

Different degrees of canting the piece can be repre¬ 
sented by drawling an arc of a circle through the two 
marks with the paster as a center. The second mark 
will be at a point on this arc corresponding to the degree 
of canting the piece. This effect of canting increases 
with the distance from the target. 

Other Exercises. 

The instructor can devise other exercises which sug¬ 
gest themselves as useful and beneficial. The following 
are examples: 

In strong sunlight make a triangle of sighting, using 
a rifle having sights worn bright. Then, being careful 
not to move the rifle, blacken the sights and make another 
triangle. Use dotted lines for the triangle made with 
bright sights and full lines for the triangle made with 
blackened sights. The position and size of the two tri¬ 
angles will plainly show the advantages of the blackened 
sights. 

In strong sunlight make a triangle of sighting; then, 
being careful not to move the rifle, make another triangle, 
having first shaded the target and the man sighting. 

The relative position of the triangles will show the 
importance of knowing the effects of varying degrees of 
light. 


37 


CHAPTER FIVE. 


The Correct Positions for Firing the Rifle.—Position and 
Aiming Drills.—Practice in Aiming.—How to Squeeze 
the Trigger. 


These position and aiming drills are intended so to 
educate the muscles of the arm and body that the rifle, 
during the act of aiming, shall be held without restraint, 
and during the operation of firing shall not be deflected 
from the target by any convulsive or improper movement 
of the trigger finger, or of the body, arm|s, or hands. 
They also establish between the hand and eye such a 
prompt and intimate connection as will insure that the 
finger shall act upon the trigger, giving the final pressure 
at the exact moment when the top of the front sight is 
seen to be directed upon the mark. 

The fact, though simple, can not be too strongly im¬ 
pressed upon the beginner, that if at the moment the cart¬ 
ridge is discharged the piece is properly supported and 
correctly aimed, the mark will surely be hit. Then, since 
almost any intelligent man can be taught to aim correctly 
and to hold the sights aligned upon the mark with a fair 
amount of steadiness, it follows that bad shooting must 
necessarily arise from causes other than bad aiming. 
Of these causes the principal one is known to be the 
deflection given to the rifle at the moment of squeezing 
the trigger, due to the fact that the man, at the moment 
of firing, instead of squeezing the trigger, jerks it. This 
convulsive action is largely due to the lack of familiar¬ 
ity with the methods of firing, and to a constrained position 
of the muscles of the body, arms, and hands, which con¬ 
strained position it is the purpose of the position and aim¬ 
ing drills to correct. 

To become a good shot, constant, careful and patient 
practice is required. Systematic aiming and squeezing 
the trigger can do much to make a rifleman. 

Advantage should be taken of every opportunity for 
practicing aiming and squeezing the trigger. 

While these drills are intended to be under the super- 


38 



vision of an instructor, any individual can cover the course 
laid down by following the instructions. 

Care should be taken not to make the position and 
aiming drills tedious nor objectionable. If possible, a short 
time every day should be spent in this practice. 

These drills are divided into four progressive exer¬ 
cises. The first exercise teaches the position; the second 
exercise teaches the position land the r aim; the third 
exercise teaches the aim and the manner of squeezing 
the trigger; and the fourth exercise teaches methods of 
rapid fire. The exercises at first should be taught by the 
numbers; when more fully understood, without numbers. 

To correct any tendency to cant the rifle, the rear 
sight will be raised. A black paster about 1 inch in 
diameter, at which to aim, will be placed on the wall 
opposite each man. The men being formed in single rank, 
with intervals of 1 yard, the instructor directs them to 
take the position of “Ready”—that is, each man faces 
half right and carries the right foot to the right about 
1 foot, to such a position as will insure the greatest 
firmness and steadiness of the body; the rifle is dropped 
into the left hand at' the balance (center of gravity of 
the rifle), the left thumb extended along the stock, muzzle 
at the height of the breast, right hand grasping the small 
of the stock. The instructor then cautions, “Position and 
aiming drill.” 

The exercise which is being taught should be fre¬ 
quently repeated and made continuous, the instructor pre¬ 
facing the preparatory command by “Continue the motion” 
or “At will,” and giving the command ‘ “Halt” at the 
conclusion of the exercise, when the men will return to 
the position of “Ready” as above. Or the men may be 
required to repeat the first and second motions by the 
command “One,’’ “Two,” the exercise concluding at the 
command “Halt.” 


Position Exercise. 

The instructor commands: 1. Position. 2. Exercise. 
At the last command, without moving the body, head, or 
eyes, raise the rifle smartly to the front of the right 
shoulder to the full extent of the left arm; elbow inclined 


39 


downward; the barrel nearly horizontal; muzzle slightly 
depressed, heel of the butt on a line with the top of the 
shoulder. 

(Two.) Bring the rifle smartly against the hollow 
of the shoulder, without permitting the shoulder to give 
way; press the rifle against it, mainly with the right hand, 
only slightly with the left; the forefinger of the right 
hand resting lightly against the trigger; the rifle inclined 
neither to the right nor left. 

(Three.) Resume the position of “Ready.” 

The instructor should especially notice the position 
of each man in this exercise, endeavoring to give to each 
one an easy and natural position. He should see that the 
men avoid drawing in the stomach, raising the breast, or 
bending the small of the back. 

The butt of the rifle must be pressed firmly, but not 
too tightly, into the hollow of the shoulder, and not 
against the muscles of the upper arm. If too tightly 
held, the pulsations of the body will be communicated to 
the rifle; if too loosely, the recoil will bruise the shoulder. 
If only the heel or toe touches the hollow of the shoulder, 
the recoil may throw the muzzle down or up, affecting the 
position of the hit. While both arms are used to press 
the rifle to the shoulder, the left arm should be used to 
direct the rifle and the right forefinger must be left free to 
squeeze the trigger. 


Aiming Exercise. 

The instructor will first direct the Sights to be ad¬ 
justed. 

The instructor commands: 1. Aiming. 2. Exercise. 

At the last command, execute the first and second 
motion 1 of the position exercise. 

(Two.) Bend the head a little to the right; the cheek 
resting against the stock; the left eye closed; the right 
eye looking through the notch of the rear sight at a point 
slightly below the mark. (Three.) Draw a moderately 
long breath, let a portion of it escape, then, with the lungs 
in a state of rest, slowly raise the rifle with the left hand, 
being careful not to incline the sight to either side until 
the line of sight is directly on the mark; hold the rifle 


40 


steadily directed on the mark for a moment, then, without 
command and just before the power to hold the rifle stead¬ 
ily is lost, drop the rifle to the position of “Ready” and re¬ 
sume the breathing. 

Some riflemen prefer to extend their left arm. Such 
a position gives greater control over the rifle when firing 
in a strong wind, on at moving objects. It also possesses 
advantages when a rapid as well as accurate delivery of 
fire isl desired. 

The eye may be brought to> the line of sight either by 
lowering the head or by raising the shoulder; it lis best 
to combine somewhat these methods; the shoulder to be 
well raised by raising the right elbow and holding it well 
to the front and at right angles to the body. 

If tlhe shoulder is -not raised, it will be necessary for 
the rifleman to lower the head to the front in order to 
bring the eye into the line of sight. Lowering the head 
too far to the front brings it near the right hand, which 
grasps the stock. When the gun is discharged this hand 
is carried by the recoil to. the rear and, when the head is 
in this position, may strike against the nose or mouth. 
This often happens in practice, and as a result of this 
blow often repeated, many men become gun-shy, or flinch, 
or close their eyes at the moment of discharge. Much bad 
shooting ascrbed to other causes is really due to this 
fault. Raising the right elbow at right angles to the body 
elevates the right shoulder, and this 'lifts the rifle so that 
it is no longer necessary to incline the head materially 
to the front in order to look along the sights. 

The length of the man’s neck determining greatly the 
exact method of taking the proper position, the instructor 
will be careful to see that the position is taken without 
constraint. 

While raising the line of sight to the mark, fix the 
eye on the mark and not on the front (Sight; the latter 
can then be readily brought into the line joining the rear- 
sight notch and mark. If this plan be not followed, when 
firing is held on the range at long distances, the mark 
will generally appear blurred and indistinct. The front 


41 


sight will always be plainly seen, even though the ’eye is 
not directed particularly upon it. 

The rifle must be raised slowly, without jerk, and its 
motion stopped gradually. In retaining it directed at the 
mark, care must be taken not to continue the aim after 
steadinesis is lost; this period will iprobably be found to 
be short at first, but will quickly lengthen with practice. 
No effort should be made to prolong it beyond the time 
that breathing can easily be restrained. , Each man will 
determine for himself the proper time for discontinuing 
the aim. 

The men must be cautioned not to hold the breath too 
long, as a trembling of the body would, in many cases, 
result. 

Trigger-squeeze Exercise. 

The instructor commands: 1. Trigger-squeeze. 2. 

Exercise. 

At the command “Exercise,” the men will execute the 
first motion of the aiming exercise. At the command 
“Two,” the second motion of the aiming exercise. 

(Three.) Draw a moderately long breath, let a portion 
of it escape, hold the breath and slowly raise the rifle with 
the left hand, being careful not to incline the sights to 
either side, until the line of sight is on the mark; contract 
the trigger finger gradually, slowly and steadily increasing 
the pressure on the trigger while the aim is being perfected; 
continue the gradual increase of pressure so that when the 
aim has become exact the additional pressure required to 
release the point of the sear can be given almost insensibly 
and without causing any deflection of the rifle. Continue 
the aim a moment after the release of the firing pin, 
observe if any change has been made in the direction of 
the line of sight, and then resume the position of “Ready,” 
cocking the; piece by raising and lowering the bodt handle. 

iPoor shooting is too frequently the result of lack of 
proper co-ordination of holding the breath, the maximum 
steadiness of aim, and the squeeze of the trigger. By 
frequent practice in this exercise, each man should know 
the exact instant his firing pin will be released, and he 


42 


must hold the breath, bring the sights to bear upon the 
mark, and squeeze the trigger all at the same time. 

The trigger should be squeezed, not pulled, the hand 
being closed upon itself, as a sponge is squeezed, the fore¬ 
finger sharing in this movement. 

The forefinger should be well around the trigger 1 , 
which must not be squeezed with the first joint of the 
finger. ; 

If the trigger has been pulled with a jerk instead of 
being squeezed, the muzzle of the rifle will probably be 
diverted to the right, or possibly downward, at the moment 
of firing; it is with the object of discovering this error, 
if made, that the aim is continued after the firing pin has 
been released and the exact point noticed where the rifle 
is then directed. If at some point other than the mark, 
every effort should be made, during subsequent practice 
at this exercise, to avoid pulling the trigger with a jerk. 

The value of this exercise lies largely in that by 
means of it each man becomes familiar with the trigger- 
squeeze of his rifle. Knowing this, he is able at any time 
to judge, within limits, what additional presssure is re¬ 
quired for its discharge. By constant repetition of this 
exercise he should be able finally to squeeze the trigger 
to a certain point, beyond which the slightest movement 
will release the sear. Having squeezed the trigger to 
this point, the aim is corrected and, when true, the addi¬ 
tional pressure is applied and the discharge follows. 

Rapid-fire Exercise. 

The instructor commands: 1. Rapid-fire exercise. 2. 
Commence firing. At the first command, the first and 
second motions of the trigger-squeeze exercise are per¬ 
formed. At tlhe second command, each man performs the 
third motion of the trigger-squeeze exercise, squeezing 
the trigger without disturbing the aim or the position of 
the piece, but at the same time without undue delibera¬ 
tion. He then, Without (removing the rifle from the 
shoulder, holding the piece in position with the left hand, 
grasps the handle of the bolt with the right hand, rapidly 
draws back the bolt, closes the chamber, aims, and again 
squeezes the trigger. This movement is repeated until 

43 


the trigger has been squeezed five times, when, without 
command, the piece is brought back to the position of 
“Ready.” 

The object of this exercise is to teach the men to 
shoot quickly and at the same time accurately. Good 
target shots are not infrequently poor game shots. On 
the battle-field, as well as on the hunting-field, the target 
is constantly (changing, and opportunities to fire wlith 
effect are fleeting. It follows that ability quickly to 
catch the aim, to squeeze the trigger promptly, without 
disturbing the aim, and to get in, in quick succession, 
several well-directed shots on a vanishing target, is of 
great value. 

The methods of taking position, of aiming, and of 
squeezing the trigger, taught in the preceding exercises, 
should be carried out in the rapid-fire exercise, with due 
attention to all the details taught therein; the details 
being carried out as prescribed, except that greater 
promptness is necessary. In order that any tendency on 
the part of the rifleman to slight the movements of aiming 
and of trigger-squeeze shall be avoided, the rapid-fire ex¬ 
ercise will not be taught until each man is thoroughly 
drilled and familiar with the preceding exercises. The 
men will be instructed that with practice in this class of 
fire the trigger can be squeezed promptly without derang¬ 
ing the rifle. 

In rapid fire in all positions most men find that it is 
better to place the right thumb along the stock to the 
right of the cocking-piece. instead of attempting to place 
it over the top of the small of the stock. 

If any man seems to execute the exercise hurriedly 
or carelessly, the instructor will require him to repeat it 
at a slower rate. 

To hold the piece to the shoulder, and at the same 
time manipulate the breech mechanism with the proper 
facility, is only learned after much practice. Some rifle¬ 
men, especially men who shoot from' the left shoulder, 
find it easier, in rapid firing, to drop the piece to the 
position of “Load” after each shot. While at first trial this 


44 


method may seem easier, it is believed that, with practice, 
the advantage of the former method will be apparent. 

After the first few drills in rapid fire, dummy cart¬ 
ridges should always be used in practicing for this class 
of fire, as their use requires the bolt to be drawn fully to 
the rear when loading. 

Do not press the bolt to the left in drawing it back, 
as the pressure causes the ejector to bind, making it 
harder to move the bolt. 

Position and Aiming Drill, Kneeling. 

The slow- and rapid-fire exercises will be repeated in 
the kneeling position. 

To kneel, half face to the right; carry the right toe 
about 1 foot to the left rear of the left heel; kneel on 
right knee, sitting as nearly as possible on the right 
heel; the left forearm across the left thigh. 

The exercise will be executed as prescribed for stand¬ 
ing, except that at the command “Two” in the position 
exercise, the rifleman will rest the left elbow on the left 
knee, the point of the elbow in front of the kneecap. The 
pasters for the kneeling exercise should be 2% feet from 
the floor or ground. 

Frequent rests will be given during practice in these 
exercises kneeling, as the position, if long continued, be¬ 
comes constrained. 

In raising the rifle to the mark in the second and 
third exercises, the position' of the left hand should not be 
changed, but the left forearm should be brought toward 
the body and at the same time the body bent slightly to 
the rear. 

When aiming kneeling there is, from the nature of 
the position, a tendency to press the butt of the rifle 
against the upper arm instead of against the hollow of 
the shoulder; this will necessitate inclining the head con¬ 
siderably to the right to get the line of sight, and by 
bringing the rifle so far to the rear will, if the thumb is 
placed across the stock, cause it to give by the recoil a 
blow upon the nose or mouth. 

These difficulties can be avoided by advancing the 
right elbo^ well to the front, at the same time raising 

45 


it so that the amii is about parallel with the ground. The 
hollow of the shoulder will then be the natural place for 
the rifle butt, and the right thumb will be brought too 
far from the face to strike it in the recoil. 

Some riflemen prefer, by bending the ankle, to rest 
the instep flat on the ground, the weight of the body 
coming more on the under part of the heel; this obviates 
any tendency of the right knee to slip;. or, by resting 
the right side of the foot on the ground, toe pointing to 
the front, to bring the weight of the body on the left side 
of the! foot. 

In firing kneeling, the steadiness obtained depends 
greatly upon the position adopted. The peculiarities of 
conformation of the individual man exert, when firing 
kneeling, a greater influence than when firing either 
standing, sitting, or lying down; the instructor should 
therefore carefully endeavor, noticing the build of each 
man, to place him in the position for which he is best 
adapted and which will exert the least tension or strain 
upon the muscles and nerves. It should be remembered, 
however, that without the rest of the left elbow on the 
knee, this position possesses no advantage of steadiness 
over the standing position. 

The^ kneeling position can be taken more quickly than 
either the sitting or the prone position. It is, therefore, 
the position naturally assumed when a rifleman, who is 
standing or advancing, has to make a quick shot at a 
moving or disappearing object and desires more steadiness 
than can! be obtained standing. 

In rapid fire kneeling, hold the rifle lightly with the 
left hand, as hard holding with that hand when firing rap¬ 
idly causes trembling, with a consequent inability to catch 
qui'ckly a correct aim. Keep the rifle in position with 
butt at the shoulder when manipulating the bolt. 

Position and Aiming Drill, Sitting Down. 

In many cases the men, while able to kneel and hold 
the rifle moderately steady, can yet in a sitting position 


46 


obtain much better results. All should, therefore, be in¬ 
structed in aiming sitting down as well as kneeling. 

To practice the preceding slow- and rapid-fire ex¬ 
ercises in a sitting postion. the instructor commands: 
“Sit Down.” 

At this command, make a half face to the right and, 
assisted by the left hand on the ground, sit down, facing 
slightly to the right, the left leg directed to the front, 
the right leg inclined toward the right, both heels, but not 
necessarily the bottoms of the feet, on the ground, the 
right knee slightly higher than the left; body erect, and 
carried naturally upon the hips; at the same time drop 
the muzzle of the rifle to the front, and to the position of 
the first motion of “Load,” ri£ht hand upon the thigh, just 
in front of the body, the left hand slightly above but not 
resting upon the left leg. 

The exercises will be executed asj heretofore pre¬ 
scribed, except that at the command “Two” (position ex¬ 
ercise), the man will rest the left elbow on the left knee, 
the point of the elbow in front of the kneecap, and: the 
right elbow against the left or inside of the right knee, 
at the same time inclining the body from the hips slightly 
forward. 

For the aiming and trigger-squeeze exercises the 
pasters will be 2y z feet from the floor or ground. 

If the preceding position is carefully practiced, stead¬ 
iness is quickly attained. The right leg should not be 
carried so far tot the right as not to afford a good sup¬ 
port or brace for the right elbow. 

This position can be modified, by crossing the legs 
at the ankle, the outside of each foot resting upon the 
ground, body more erect, and the knees slightly more 
raised than in the previous position. This position is an 
excellent one for many men. 

In rapid fire sitting, the bolt should be manipulated 
without removing the rifle from the shoulder and without 
raising either elbow from its position on the leg. As 
soon as the trigger is squeezed, grasp the bolt handle 
with the right hand and at the same time with the left 
hand push the rifle to the right and downwards, this move¬ 
ment of the left hand assisting in the raising of the bolt 


47 


by the right hand; draw the bolt quickly to the rear with 
the right hand, being careful not to press to the left; 
close the bolt with the right hand and at the same time 
bring the rifle back to its former position with the left 
hand, this return movement of the rifle assisting in the 
closing of the bolt. It will be found With practice that 
this method of working the bolt is the easiest, quickest, 
and most productive of good results, the rifle returning 
to the proper position for an almost perfect aim for the 
next shot. 

Position and Aiming Drill. Lying Down. 

From the nature of the position, it is not practica¬ 
ble to execute the preceding exercises according to the 
method followed when standing or kneeling; instruction 
will, however, always be given with reference to the posi¬ 
tion. to the manner of assuming it, and 1 to aiming and 
squeezing the trigger. 

For the exercise lying down the black pasters should 
be about 12 inches from the floor. 

The instructor commands: “Lie Down,” at' Which 
command the men kneel, but with the right knee against 
the left heel, carry back the left foot, and lie flat on the 
beRy, inclining the body slightly to the right; rifle hori¬ 
zontal, barrel up, muzzle off the ground and pointed to the 
front; elbows on the ground; left hand at the balance, 
right hand grasping the small of the stock opposite the 
neck; the legs may be spread apart and the toes turned 
out if found to give a steadier position. 

Having taken the position ais prescribed, the legs 
should be inclined well to the left, and either crossed or 
separated as the man prefers or hits particular conform¬ 
ation appears to render most, desirable. 

If care is exercised, a position of steadiness and ease 
can then, with practice, be quickly assumed. 

Being at a “Ready,” the instructor then commands: 
1. Trigger-squeeze. 2. Exercise. 

At the latter command, carry the left elbow to the 
front and slightly to the right: the lieft hand under the 
barrel at the balance; - weight of the body mainly sup- 


ported by the left elbow, the right resting lightly on the 
floor or ground. 

(Two.) Slide the ride with the right hand through 
the left hand to the front, until the left hand is a little 
in front of the trigger guard; at the same time raise the 
rifle with both (hands and press it against the hollow of 
the shoulder. 

(Three.) Direct the rifle upon the mark, and carry 
out the further details of aiming and squeezing the trigger. 

Then resume the position, lying down. 

As soon as the men have acquired with accuracy the 
details of the position, they will be practiced, without 
numbers, aiming and squeezing the trigger at will; but 
care will be taken not to unduly prolong the exercise. 

The preceding position 'for firing Dying down, pos¬ 
sesses, in greater degree than other positions, the merit 
of adaptability to changes in the configuration of the 
ground; it enables the rifleman to deliver fire over How 
breastworks or improvised shelters, thus making the best 
use of cover. | 

In the prone position, when aiming, the left elbow 
should be well under the barrel, the other elbow some¬ 
what to the right, but as near the body as possible; when 
the right elbow is too far to the right there is a tendency 
jto slip on the floor or ground; the head elevated, the right 
shoulder well raised, and the rifle pressed firmly against 
it with both hands. 

The greater changes in elevation required in first 
directing the rifle on the object should be given by alter¬ 
ing the position of the left hand under the barrel; the 
slighter changes only by advancing or withdrawing the 

shoulder. 

The body not yielding to the recoil, as when firing 
standing or kneeling, its force, if the rifle is not properly 
held, may severely bruise the shooter. It is one of the 
objects of this exercise so to teach him that this will be 
prevented. Care must be exercised that the butt is not 
brought against the collar bone. By moving the shoulder 
slightly to the front or rear, and by moving the right 
elbow from the body or toward it, each man can deter¬ 
mine the position in which the shouilder gives to the butt 


49 


of the rifle the easiest rest. This will probably be the 
one in which the force of the recoil will be least felt. 

The rifleman should persist in this exercise until he 
obtains a position in which he feels no constraint, which 
will not subject him to bruises from the recoil, and from 
which the mark appears plainly through the sights. 
Having secured such a position, he must not change it 
when firing, as a variation in the points of support of the 
rifle, the distance of the eye from the rear sights, or the 
tension of the hold has a decided effect, especially at the 
longer ranges, upon the location of the point struck. 

In rapid fire in! the prone position, the bolt should 
be manipulated as described for rapid fire sitting, without 
moving the rifle from the shoulder and without raising 
either elbow from its position on the ground.; 

If these aiming and trigger-squeeze exercises are 
carefully practiced in the different positions, the beginner, 
before firing a shot at a target, wlill have learned to cor¬ 
rectly aim his rifle, to hold it steadily, to» squeeze the 
trigger properly, and to assume that position best 
adapted to the particular conformation of his body. This 
knowledge can not be successfully acquired upon the 
target ground. At that place the time that can be given 
to instruction is limited, >and should be devioted to the 
higher branches of the subject: and even if the desired 
amount of attention could be given to each man, yet, 
from the circumstances of the firing, the determination 
of his errors can not be readily made. It is more than 
likely that he will never discover the reasons for his 
failures, and will therefore be unable properly to correct 
them. 

Under such conditions the knowledge that he may 
have of the many other requisites for good marksman¬ 
ship can not be utilized to full advantage, and in fact can 
but in a limited degree compensate for the neglect of 
these first principles, and for the failure to lay, by assid¬ 
uously practicing them, the only firm foundation for 
future proficiency. 


50 


The Aiming Device. 



Fig. 24. 


The Aiming Device (Fig. 24, in place on the arm, and 
Fig. 25, in detail) is intended for use in aiming drill. 
By it the instructor, while standing on one side and facing 
the rear sight on/ the rifle when the rifleman is in the act 
of aiming, can see the reflection of both sights and the 
object aimed at, and can therefore judge of the accuracy 
and steadiness of the man’s aim. 



51 





The device consists of a circular spring steel clip (A), 
which embraces the barrel and a portion of the stock 
immediately in rear of the rear sight; a standard (B), riv¬ 
eted to the clip; and a sheet steel cage (C), mounted on the 
standard, which carries a glass reflector (D). 

The ends of the spring clip are covered with leather 
to prevent marring of the barrel and stock. This leather 
cover terminates in two loose flaps, by which the dip 
can be spread in seating and removing the device. 

The upper end of the standard is drilled and tapped 
for* a screw eye (E), which prevents accidental removal of 
the reflector cage. \ 

The reflector cage consists of a back and a top and 
bottom. To the back is riveted a pliece of sheet steel, 
shaped to engage the standard, forming a sliding bearing 
for the cage on the standard. A flat leaf spring (E), 
secured in this bearing, gives sufficient friction on the 
standard to hold the cage at the desired height. The top 
and bottom of the cage contain grooves, set at an angle 
of 45 degrees with the barrel, in which is seated the re¬ 
flector glass. The glass itself is plain sheet glass, slightly 
smoked, with its edges rounded. The cage, standard, and 
clip are blued to prevent glaring reflection frcm sunlight 
and, in, the case of the cage, to furnish a mirror back for 
the glass. 

To use the aiming device, it should be seated firmly 
on the gun just in rear of the rear sight, taking care 
that the standard is vertical. The exposed edge of the 
reflector glass must always be to the rear, in order to 
obtain a reflection of the sights. If the instructor desires 
to stand upon the rifleman’s right, the device must be 
pPhced on the gun so that the standard is on the left; 
if on the other side, the standard must be on the right 
side of the gun. In changing from one side to the other, 
it is necessary to slip the cage off the standard and re¬ 
verse it. The cage can foe raised or lowered on the 
standard to suit the elevation used on the rear sight. 


CHAPTER SIX. 

The Adjustment and Use of the Gun Sling. 


After the ( position and aiming exercises have been 
practiced a few times, the gun sling should be used on the 
arm when practicing in all positions. The use of the sling 
is authorized at all ranges as an auxiliary to steady the 
rifle in connection with one arm only, provided that for 
purposes of adjustment for shooting, neither end shall 
have been passed through either s'ling swivel. No knot 
will be tied in the sling, and the sling itself will not be 
added to or modified in any manner. 

The sling is made of four parts: the long strap, the 
short strap, and two keepers. To assemble it, the plain 
end of the long strap is passed through the larger keeper, 
then through the metal loop of the short strap, passing 
from the undressed to the dressed side of the latter, 
then back through the larger keeper, forming the arm- 
loop, dressed side out. The same end is then passed 
through the smaller keeper, through the upper sling 
swivel from the butt toward the muzzle, and back through 
the smaller keeper, the aTm-loop being completed by 
engaging the claw of the long strap in the proper holes 
in the other end of same. 

The size of the arm-loop is adjusted to suit the in¬ 
dividual who is to fire the rifle, the loop being drawn 
through the upper swivel until the claw comes w r ell up 
toward the upper swivel. The claw end of the short 
strap is then passed through the lower swivel from muzzle 
to butt and brought up and engaged in the proper holes 
in the long strap, drawing the sling taut. This gives the 
parade position of the sling. 

To adjust the sling for firing or carrying, the claw of 
the short strap is disengaged and re-engaged in the holes 
near the claw end of the short, strap, no change being 
necessary in the adjustment of the arnuloop. 

To adjust the sling to, the arm, holdl the rifle with the 
right hand at the small of the stock, butt against the 
right thigh, barrel up, muzzle pointed to the front and 
at the height of the breast, sling hanging loose. Thrust 
the left hand and arm through the arm-loop, putting the 


53 



hand in from the right side of the loop. Steady the rifle 
with the left hand above the lower band, and with the right 
hand shove the arm-loop up the left arm above the left 
elbow anidi secure it in place with the keeper. Re-girasp 
the 'rifle with the -right hand at the small of the stock 
and turn the left hand to the right over the sling, grasp¬ 
ing the rifle with the left hand ,so that the sling lies 
flat around the left wrist, the left hand being between 
the sling and the stock of the rifle. In putting the arm- 
loop on the left arm, be sure to thrust the left hand into 
the loop from the right side. If the hand is put into the 
loop from the left side, the sling will not lie flat around 
the left wrist, but will cut into the back of the hand and 
wrist, causing much discomfort when the sling is tightly 
adjusted. 

In his excellent little book, “Suggestions to Military 
Riflemen,” Lieutenant Townsend Whelen says: • 

“The gun sling should be used whenever it is possible 
to do so. It is even more of a factor in fine marksman¬ 
ship than the wind gauge. By its use the rifle may be 
held absolutely steady; in rapid fire it facilitates the 
Quick return of the rifle to the point of aim, and it takes 
up almost half of the recoil. 

“The tension must come from the lower band, front 
attachment of the sling only.” 

“The .sling must pass to the right of the left wrist 
to prevent canting, arid thence around the left upper 
arm, preferably above the swelling of the triceps muscle. ,? 

“The portion of the sling between the loop and the 
lower swivel must be loose in all positions, as any tension 
here will cause the rifle to be canted to the right and 
will pull the butt away from the shoulder.” 

“The loop must be short enough to enable the rifle¬ 
man to place a heavy pressure on the sling—equal, of 
course, for each shot This is what is meant by holding 
hard, and it will cause the rifle to steady down like a 
rock and distribute the recoil to the entire body so the 
shoulder will scarcely feel anything.” 

“In rapid fire standing, the use of the isling takes 
up so much of the recoil that the rifle does not move 
off the target when firing or while working the bolt.” 


54 


“Summing matters up, the advantages of using the 
gun sling are: absolute steadiness in the prone position; 
distribution of the recoil to the entire body; quickening 
return of the rifle to the target in magazine fire; pre¬ 
venting the rifle recoiling off the target; and minimizing 
the effect of the wind on the holding.” 

When first using the sling it will cause some incon¬ 
venience and discomfort if adjusted too tightly, but, after 
a little practice, it can be tightened gradually until it 
becomes a very effective aid. 

Many riflemen have found that it is necessary to 
take measures to prevent the sling from slipping down 
the left arm. This is accomplished by sewing a piece of 
small-sized rope into the shirt sleeve above the elbow, 
thus making a ridge around the arm, which holds the 
sling up in its proper position. 


CHAPTER SEVEN. 

The Rear Sight and the Wind Gauge. 


In order that the rifleman may accurately direct 
the barrel of the rifle, so that the bullet will strike the 
mark, front and rear sights are necessary; and as the 
•shooting has to be done at different distances, the rear 
sight must be capable of adjustment, to allow the shooter 
to give differing angles of elevation to the barrel, to com¬ 
pensate for the drop of the bullet in its flight. 

The greater the distance the rifleman is from the 
mark, the higher must the barrel be pointed into the air. 


D 



56 






































Elevating the rear sight causes the barrel to be in¬ 
clined upwards when the shooter is aiming, and as a 
consequence of this elevation a higher point is struck 
by the bullet. 

The leaf of the rear sight (Fig. 26/ has the undercut 
for the drift slide (C) and the sighting notch (D). The 
lines extending across one or both branches of the leaf 
are 10'0-yard divisions, the short lines are 50-yard divis¬ 
ions, and the shorter lines are 25-yard divisions. The 
numbers on the uprights represent hundreds of yards 
and are on top of the lines which they indicate. For 
example; the 800-yard line is just underneath the figure 8. 

With the leaf laid down, the sights are set for approx¬ 
imately 530 yards. This is known as the battle sight. 


D 


Fig. 27. 

The drift slide (Fig. 27) has the peephole (A), the 
field view (B), and the sighting notches (D). It is attached 
between the silide (Fig. 29) and the slide cap (Fig. 28), 
and is moved up or down the leaf as required, being 
secured in the desired position by the slide binding screw 
(Fig. 32). The lines on either side of the peep and 
lower open notch enable the drift slide to be accurately 
set at any desired graduation on the leaf. 

With the leaf up, ranges from 100 to 2350' yards can 
be obtained through the peephole, from 100 to 2450 yards 
through the open sighting notch at the bottom of the 
field view, and from 1400 to 2750 yards through the open 
sighting notch in the upper edge of the drift slide. The 



57 


















2850-yard range is obtained through the open notch in 
the upper end of the leaf. 

The drift slides, are made with three different sizes 
of peep-holes, .04 inch, .05 inch and .06 inch, known as 
No. 4, No. 5, and No. 6 drift slides. The rifle as issued 
is equipped With a No. 5, drift slide, but one with a larger 
or smaller peepholle can easily be substituted, as follows: 

With the aid of a pin, drive out the small slide cap 
pin (Fig. 31), which is on the right-hand side of the slide 
cap (Fig. 28). Using a small screwdriver or knife-blade, 
remove the slide cap screw (Fig. 30), which is on the 
left side of the slide cap. The slide cap is next removed, 
by forcing it gently to the left and off the sight. The 
slide binding screw (Fig. 32) remains in place in the 
end of the slide (Fig. 29). The drift slide may now be 
moved up and off the leaf and another one put on to re¬ 
place it. Use care not to drop the small slide cap pin, as 
it is easily lost. 



Fig. 28. Fig. 29. . Fig. 30. 



Fig. 31. Fig. 32., 

When firing at a given range, if the rear sight is 
raised by an amount corresponding to 25 yards of range, 
or, in other words, if 25 yards more elevation is taken, the 
point where the bullet strikes the target is raised by a 
certain number of inches, varying according to the dis¬ 
tance from the target. The following table shows approxi-. 
mately how much the point where the bullet strikes is 


58 





raised or towered by a change of 25 yards in the sight 
setting: 


Change in location of hit caused by changing elevation 
25 yards. 


Range. 

Correction at Target. 

200 yards. 

2 inches. 

300 “ 

3 “ 

400 “ 

4 " 

500 “ 

6 “ 

o 

o 

9 “ 

700 “ 

12 “ 

800 “ 

15 “ 

900 “ 

20 

1000 “ 

25 “ 

The 

Wind Gauge. 

At the front end of 

the rear sight is a knob, 


the windage screw knob, which when turned causes the 
movable base (Pig. 33) to pivot to the right or left. 
Moving this base is called “taking windage” and is referred 
to, as a motion of the wind gauge. 



Pig. 33. 


The rear end of the movable base bears wind gauge 
graduations, indicated 'by C on Fig. 33, the valine of 
the smallest graduation being about 4 inches for each 


59 










































































































100 yards of range. These smallest graduations are 
known as “points’’ of windage or deflection. 

The following table shows the correction to the right 
or left caused at the target by taking one point of right 
or left windage: 

Change in location of hit, to the right or left, caused 
by taking one point of right or left windage. 


Range. 
10*0 yards. 
200 " 
300 “ 


Correction at Target. 
4 inches. 


8 

12 

10 

20 

24 

28 

32 

36 

40 


400 

500 

600 


700 “ 


800 

900 

1000 



CO 







61 


Illustrating how the value of any correction on the 
sight increases with the range. This applies both to 
windage and to elevations. 












CHAPTER EIGHT. 


Calling Shots.—Practice with the Rear Sight.—Short- 
Range, Mid-Range and Long-Range Targets. 


Calling Shots. 

It is vitally important that the rifleman should learn 
how to “calp his shots—that is, to he able to say just 
where the rifle was aimed at the moment of discharge, 
as no man will learn! to shoot until he is able to do this. 

In! “calling” shots, the rifleman indicates, immediately 
after squeezing the trigger, the position where he expects 
the hit to be on the target. He must “oaMl” his shot 
before it is signaled from the pit. If he is certain where 
he was aiming when the shot was fired, and the ballet did 
not strike in the Iplace on the target where he “called” 
it and where he expected it to strike, then a correction 
must be made for the next shot before firing again. 

For practice in designating different spots on the tar¬ 
get as the points of aim of imaginary shots, fasten on 
the wall a fusll-size paper target, or use the diagrams on 
pages 66 to 71, drawing twelve lines on the target 
from the center of the bulH’s-eye to the edge of the targets 
each line representing a different position of the hour hand 
on the dial face of a clock from one to twelve o’clock, 
marking the lines with corresponding numbers; the twelve 
o’clock line being drawn from the center of the bull’s-eye 
straight up to the top of the target. 

Different points of aim are then indicated, the men de¬ 
scribing the hold of the rifle at the moment of discharge 
as a “nine o’clock three,” a “two o’cllock four,” and so on. 
Bear in mind that the rifleman, while endeavoring to aim 
at a point just underneath the bull’s-eye, cannot always 
discharge his rifle with a perfect aim, and the call of the 
shot is not the point where he intended to aim, but the 
actual point on the target at which the sights were pointed 
When the rifle was discharged. 

It is well to realize that when actually firing some¬ 
times it is difficult to say just where the rifle was aimed 
when the trigger was squeezed, and on those occasions 
the rifleman must be honest with himself and with his 


62 



coach, and own up that he cannot “call” that particular 
shot. If the shooter cannot tell just how far off his aim 
was, but can tell the direction, he calls it a “four o’clock 
hold,” or says, “I got off at 9 o’clock,”' as: the case may be, 
without attempting to indicate how far out he was in 
the stated direction. 

It must be remembered that if an actual shot is fired 
which is called a “nine o’clock three,” for example (the 
rifle at the moment the trigger -was squeezed (having 
been aimed well to the left), and the shot is signaled 
from the pit as a center bull’s-eye, a correction must be 
made for the succeeding shot, as otherwise that shot (if 
correctly aimed and held) will be well to the right of the 
bull’s-eye. Many a man gets a bull’s-eye from a poorly 
aimed shot, and, not realizing that his aim or hold was 
bad and not being able to “call” the position where he 
expected the hit to be, he makes no change of his sight, 
and finds that Ms succeeding shots, properly aimed and 
well held, do not hit the bull’s-eye, and he is at a loss 
to account for the result. 

It takes moral' courage to change the sight after get¬ 
ting a “bull” from a poor hold, but it must be done. 

Practice with the Rear Sight. 

By the use of full-sized ‘A,” “B,” and “C” targets fast¬ 
ened to the wall, or the diagrams of targets on pages' 66 
to 71, the; instructor can practice the men in adjusting the 
rear sight for elevation and, windage. As an example, let 
It be supposed that with the sight set for 200 yards eleva¬ 
tion and zero windage, a shot was fired at the “A” target at 
a range of 200 yards and that the bulet struck at the 
point marked “P,” page 66; then the correction neces¬ 
sary to bring the next shot on the center of the bull’s-eye 
is 75 yards less elevation and 2 points of left windage. 

The instructor each time directs the rear sight to be 
adjusted at a certain elevation with a prescribed windage, 
and tells the men that they are supposed to be shooting 
at a designated range. The location of the imaginary 
hit is pointed out or marked with a lead pencil on the 
target. Each man then figures out the necessary changes 
in elevation and windage, using the tables on pages 59 and 


63 


60 and the information as to dimensions of targets on 
pages 64 and 65 in making his calculations, and sets his 
sight so that the next shot, if held the same, will hit the 
center of the bull’s-eye. 

This work is quite interesting to the men and of the 
greatest value, in that they become familiar with the 
amount of correction to be made at different ranges when 
shots have struck in various peaces on the target. 

Accuracy and rapidity in the adjustment of the sights 
is desirable. 

This practice also impresses the men with the import¬ 
ance of the marker in the pit placing the center of the 
marking disk over the shot hole, so that the firer can 
know, the exact location of his hit on the target. 

Short-Range, Mid-Range, and Long-Range Targets. 

Target A. —The short-range target, used for 200 and 
300 yards, is a rectangle 6 feet high by 4 feet wide. 

Black circular bull’s-eye, 8 inches in diameter; value 
of hit 5.; 

Center ring, 26' inches in diameter, 9 inches from edge 
of bull’s-eye to the ring; value of hit 4. 

Inner ring, 46 inches in diameter, 10 inches from cen¬ 
ter ring to inner ring; value of hit 3. 

Outer, remainder of target, 1 incih on each side and 26 
inches at middle of top and bottom from the inner ring; 
value of hit 2. 

Target B. —The mid-range target, used for 500 and 
600 yards, is a square 6 feet on a side. 

Black oircullar bull’s-eye, 20 inches in diameter; value 
of hit 5. 

Center ring, 37 inches in diameter, 8*4 inches from 
edge of bull’s eye to ring; value of hit 4. 

Inner ring, 53 inches in diameter, 8 inches from cen¬ 
ter ring to inner ring; value of hit 3. 

Outer, remainder of target, 9 y 2 inches from inner 
ring to the edge of the target at the center point of top, 
bottom and sides; value of hit 2. 


64 


Target C. —The long-range target, used for 800 and 
1000 yards. It is a rectangle 6 feet high and 10 feet wide. 
(Was formerly 12 feet wide.) 

Black circular bull’s-eye, 36 inches in diameter; value 
of hit 5. 

Center ring, 54 inches in diameter, 9 inlchej from edge 
of bull’s-eye to the center ring; value of hit 4. 

Inner ring, space outside of center ring bounded by 
vertical lines 2 feet from eaeTi end of the target; 9 inches 
from center ring to edge of inner space at middle point 
of top, bottom! and sides; value of hit 3. 

Outer, remainder of the target, being rectangle at each 
end, 2 feet wide and 6 feet high; value of hit 2. 


65 


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Fig. 34. 


66 

















67 










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68 







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Fig. 37. 


69 













cpfttcr/twcatJsssc/Kvyvs raj 

Fig. 38. 
70 



















Fig 39. 

71 


















CHAPTER NINE. 
The Zero of the Rifle. 


One of the stumbling-blocks in the way of the tyro 
rifle shot is the “zero” of his rifle. This question of 
knowing his zero lias caused many a shooter much anxi¬ 
ety, and since the battle sight has come into common use 
through its being prescribed for certain classes of fire, 
the question of zero has assumed double importance, owing 
to the fact that the battle sight zero is almost always 
different from what may be designated as the peep sight 
zero. 

When the service rifle is targeted at the arsenal, an 
effort is made so to adjust the front sight, that with the 
wind gauge set at nought a shot may be fired which, un¬ 
affected by weather conditions, willl hit the center of the 
object aimed at, always providing that the elevation is 
correct and that the line of aim passes through the center 
of the rear sight and over the top of the front sight. 
Some rifles when received are found to be correctly ad 
justed in this respect, while many have a deviation to 
the right or left, which must be allowed for and constantly 
considered. 

If on a perfectly calm day a proper aim is taken at 
an objective and the hit is to the right of the abject 
aimed at and the same spot continues to be hit with 
consecutive shots, it becomes necessary to move the wind 
gauge sufficiently far to the left to counteract the cause 
which is responsible for the shot group being to the 
right. The amount of windage thus necessarily taken to 
bring the shot group into the center of the objective is 
the zero of the rifle. Thus if it is found that a point of 
left windage is necessary, the zero of that rifle is one point 
left. If on the contrary, the shot group fis at first to the 
left of the objective and say a half point of right windage 
has to be taken to bring the group to its proper place, 
then the zero of the rifle is one-half point right. 

This zero is independent of weather conditions, is con¬ 
stant for the same gun when used by the same man, and 
remains the same at the different ranges, if the aim is 


73 



taken always in the same manner and unaffected by light 
changes. 

An inexperienced shot who does not appreciate the 
importance of knowing the zero of one’s rifle generally 
finds it difficult to understand why he has to take dif¬ 
ferent windage from that which some other man is using 
when •shooting under identical conditions of weather. 
One man in a pair shooting side by side may be getting 
“bulls” with a point of left windage while his partner finds 
he needs two points. The inexperienced one will be heard 
to say, “I don’t know how it is that he needs only one 
point while I need two.” The reason is perfectly apparent 
to one who understands how different rifles have differ¬ 
ent zeros. If the rifle of the first man had a half point 
left zero, then he was really using but half a point of 
left windage to counteract the effect of the wind which 
was blowing at the time. As his partner needed two 
points of left windage on the scale where the wind called 
for but half a point, then the latter’s zero was- a point and 
a half left, and on a day when there was no wflnd blowing 
he would need that point and a half to bring his shots 
into the center of the bull’s-eye. 

To find the zero of a rifle, select a day when weather 
conditions are not changing and there is no apparent 
movement of the air. Do the shooting in the prone posi¬ 
tion at 200 yards, firing each shot with the greatest pos¬ 
sible care. Use a target with a painted black cross sub¬ 
stituted' for the bull’st-eye, the vertical and horizontal 
lines of the cross to be 2 inches in width, corresponding 
to one-quarter of a point of windage at 200 yards. Aim 
to hit the point where the two lines of the cross intersect. 
After each shot have the marker place a small ‘ spotter” 
or shot mark in the hole made by the bullet, so that the 
exact spot where the shot hit the target may be seen by 
the firer. White spatters should be used in holes made 
in the bilack cross and black spotters on the light part 
of the target. If recessary, use a field-glass to locate the 
spotters. After finding the peep sight zero, the process 
should be repeated for the zero of the battle wight. It 
may take several days of this kind of practice far the 
shooter to become confident that he has ascertained the 

73 


correct zero of his rifle, but no successful work can be 
accomplished on the range until the zero is definitely and 
positively known to the man who shoots the gun. 

When men are shooting in pairs, it is possible to 
ascertain their comparative zeros fairly accurately, even 
though shooting in a wind and unable to practice on a 
calm day. If No. 1 finds that he gets center bull’s- 
eyes with two points of right windage while No. 2 under 
the same conditions needs three points right, it shows 
that their zeros are one point apart, and the same dif¬ 
ference will be found to exist in aM their subsequent 
practice, no matter from which quarter the wind may 
be blowing. If on the following day No. 1 finds the 
bull’s-eye using a point of left windage, then No. 2 may 
set his wind gauge at nought and go ahead with con¬ 
fidence that he is all right so far as lateral deviation is 
concerned. After a few days* practice, it can be deter¬ 
mined reasonably correctly just how this difference of 
a point is to be divided, whether one man’s zero is one- 
quarter right and the other’s zero is one and one-quarter 
right, or whether one has a zero iof one-half left and the 
other a zero of one-half right, and so on. 

After a rifle has been fired a few hundred times and 
has settled down, it is not believed that the zero changes 
until the rifle is shot out—that is, until the bore of the 
rifle becomes so worn as to cause inaccuracy; and when 
that time comes, there is no use in hunting for a lost 
zero, as the rifle has outlived its period of usefulness as 
an arm of accuracy. It is thought that reported changes 
of zero in accurate-shooting rifles are due to some causes 
over which the shooter has control or to unappreciated 
conditions which do not constantly affect the rifle in the 
same manner. 

A change in the manner of aiming may result in what 
is charged up to the rifle’s changing zero, while as a 
matter of fact the unexpected location of the hit is due to 
the firer and not to the rifle. A man who at the beginning 
of his shooting persistently aims incorrectly, with a con¬ 
stant error, isuch as seeing his front sight to one side of 
the aperture of his rear sight, may after a while change 
to a correct method of aiming, with a resultant necessary 


74 


change in his zero. A constant cant of the piece when 
corrected will operate in the same manner, and these 
errors, which are often corrected without a realization 
on the part of the shooter that they had existed, natur¬ 
ally cause a belief that the rifle has changed its zero; 
which of course it has, so far as that particular man and 
his method of aiming are concerned, but not due to any 
change in the rifle itself. 

Unnoticed conditions very frequently occur which are 
responsible for erratic results, thought by the firer to be 
due to a change of zero; these results being most per¬ 
plexing and disheartening unless the cause is realized 
and allowances made to offset it. Under this head come 
the effect of light when striking the sights at an angle 
different from usual, a rubbing of the black from one 
side of the front sight, or shooting without a front sight 
cover when accustomed to using one, any of which will 
cause disastrous results. 

All windage for counteraction of conditions is taken 
from the known and proven zero. If a man has learned 
that his zero is a half point left and the coach tells him 
to take a poant of left windage, the shooter must add 
that point to the half point known to be his zero, which 
would result in his wind gauge reading on the scale one 
and one-half points left. If, on the other hand, the coach 
told him to take a point of right windage, he must still con¬ 
sider that with his wind gauge set at one-half left he has 
no windage and to take a point of right windage he must 
move his wind gauge one point to the right of its known 
zero position; that is, moving it to nought on the 'scale 
gives him a half point right windage and moving it another 
half point to the right gives him one point of right windage 
from his zero, although on the scale the wind gauge reads 
onehalf point right. 

The coach tells the shooter the amount of windage 
necessary to be taken on account of conditions which 
obtain at the time, and each man has to make his own 
calculations for the proper setting of the wind gauge on 
the rifle with which he is firing. 


chapter ten. 

Normal Elevations.—Factors Which Influence Elevations. 


The bore of the United States Rifle is drilled, reamed, 
straightened and rifled with the utmost of mechanical and 
ipersonal 1 skill, and the barrel is finally stocked and tar¬ 
geted in order to test its actual shooting qualities. 

Great care is taken 1 in the manufacture of the rifle to 
insure its uniformity and excellence, but so many vari¬ 
ables enter into the shooting of a rifle that a certain 
amount of deviation from the average inevitably results. 

Each rifleman has to determine for himself the normal 
elevation of his rifle for each range. By normal eleva¬ 
tion is meant the elevation tequired on a day when 
average weather conditions prevail. 

To find the normal elevation, select a warm day, not 
too hot, when the sun is shining and there is little, if 
any, wind blowing. Begin in the prone position at 200 
yards, firing each shot with the greatest possible care. 
Use a target with a painted black cross substituted for 
the bullFs-eye, the Vertical and horizontal lines of the 
cross to be 2 inches in width, corresponding to a change 
of elevation of 25 yards at the 200-yard range. Aim 
to hit the point where the two lines of the cross intersect. 
After each shot have the marker place a small “spotter” 
or shot mark in the hole made by the bullet, so that the 
exact spot where the shot hit the target may be seen by 
the firer. White spotters should be used in holes made 
in the black cross and black spotters on the light part 
of the target. If necessary, use a field-glass to locate the 
spotters. 

When shooting at the 200-yard range, if it is found 
necessary to set the rear sight at say 275 yards, then 
the normal elevation of that particular rifle for the man 
who its shooting it is 275 yards for the 200-yard range. 

Having ascertained the normal elevation for 200 yards, 
proceed in the same manner for the other ranges, except 
that a bull’s-eye target is used, as the cross cannot be seen 
sufficiently well at the longer ranges. 

Varying conditions of weather on different days will 
necessitate raising or lowering the sights from the normal 


76 



elevations, but the latter are the basis of all calculations. 

Men can help each other quickly in regard to eleva¬ 
tions when each one knows his own normal elevation. 
Supose on a certain day, when shooting at 600 yards, 
the first man to fire, whose normal elevation for that 
range is say 550 yards, finds that he must use 575 yards 
elevation,- to get hits in the center of the bull’s-eye. That 
means that an increased elevation of 25 yards over the 
normal is needed. The next man to fire, whose normal 
elevation at that range is say 650 yards, is told that 25 
yards more elevation is required,, so he sets his rear 
sight for 675 yards and goes ahead. If they did not know 
their normal elevations and the first man told the second 
that 575 yards was the correct elevation, it can readily 
be seen that such information would be of little use to 
the second man, who would get no satisfactory results 
from using such an elevation. 

There are numerous conditions which are apt to af¬ 
fect the elevations. Among the most important are the 
following: 

The temperature has a marked effect on the eleva¬ 
tion. On a hot day the air is likely to be thinner, thus 
offering less resistance to the passage of the bullet and 
necessitating a lowering of elevation; while on a cool day 
the reverse is true. It has been estimated that a change 
of temperature amounting to 714 degrees will cause a dif¬ 
ference in the 'point struck on the target amounting to 
1 inch for each 100 yards of range. Thus, if firing to¬ 
day at 1000 yards, with a temperature as indicated by 
the thermometer of 70 degrees, and to-morrow at the same 
range, but with a temperature of 85 degrees, the shots of 
tomorrow would go 20 inches higher on the target than 
to-day’s shots, always providing that other conditions re¬ 
main unchanged. 

There seems to be no reason why changes in light 
should require changes in elevation if care is used always 
to aim in the same manner. As a matter of fact, few men are 
able to aim in the same way when the target is in shadow 
as they do when it is in the bright sunlight. On a bright, 
sunshiny day it is comparatively easy to aim just under 
the bull's-eye, Witli a narrow streak of white showing 

77 


between the black bull’s-eye and the black front sight. 
Wlhen a cloud passes between the sun and the target, 
casting a shadow upon the target, this streak of white 
is generally made wider by the shooter without his realiz¬ 
ing it, thus making his aim lower on the target than 
before. To counteract this difference in aim, he finds it 
necessary to raise his elevation. On the other hand, if 
he is shooting on a cloudy day and the sun comes out 
between shots, giving him a bright target to aim at, he 
unconsciously aims closer to the bull’s-eye and must lower 
his elevation in order to avoid high shots. For most men 
it is found then that a dark target requires more eleva¬ 
tion and a bright target less elevation. This is not true, 
however, for all men, and some find that a dark target 
causes them to aim 1 up into the black and' lower elevations 
are necessary, while with a bright target they see the 
streak of white and so must raise the elevation. Other 
men are able to aim in the same manner in different 
lights and find that no change of elevation is necessary 
on account of changing light. 

When using the peep sight, changes of light on the 
sights have little, if any, effect on the elevations; hut with 
the open sight a shadow cast upon the rear sight generally 
results in a tendency to see more of the front sight tnan 
usual, and lower elevations must be taken. If shooting on 
a dark day and the sun comes out between shots and 
illuminates the sights, the shooter, without being con¬ 
scious of'the fact, sees Hess of his front sight than before, 
and so must raise his elevations. For most men, then, 
a bright sight requires more elevation and a dark sight 
less elevation. Some men, however, find that light on 1 the 
sight affects them in the opposite way, and others, by 
being able tot aim always in the same way, learn that the 
changes of light on! their sights do not affect their eleva¬ 
tions at al. 

The only safe method to pursue, so far as effect of 
light on elevations is concerned, is for each man to de¬ 
termine for himself, by practice in changing lights, and 
on dark and sunny days, just how he is affected and what 


78 


corrections in elevations he must make to counteract such 
effect. [ ) 

On rainy or damp days, the moisture in the air has 
a tendency to soften the fouling in the bore of the rifle. 
When this fouling is soft it is easier for the bullet to 
pass through it. As any influence which lessens the re¬ 
sistance to the passage of the bullet from powder to tar¬ 
get resujllts in a less curved path for the bullet, the pres¬ 
ence of moisture in the air wall render lower elevations 
necessary. 

The heating of the barrel of the rifle, due to rapid 
firing, wrill"cause a change in the point struck, the shots 
going higher as the barrel becomes heated. The first 
shot from a cool, clean barrel usually goes higher than 
the succeeding group, the second shot generally dropping 
somewhat. If the rifle becomes very hot, the shots will 
go higher and less elevation must be taken. 

Ammunition which has a high initial velocity requires 
lower elevation than ammunition of low velocity. This 
will be readily understood when it is remembered that a 
bullet With high initial velocity travels faster, and con¬ 
sequently with a flatter trajectory, than one with a lower 
initial velocity. The bandoleer or the box which contains 
the cartridges has marked upon it the initial velocity of 
the cartridges. As different velocities require different 
elevations, a record should be kept of the velocity used 
each time when firing. These differences, while slight, 
should be borne in mind. 

The effect of wind on elevations is so slight at the 
short ranges that it may be disregarded, but at the longer 
ranges it must be taken into consideration. A wind 
blowing from 12 o’clock has a retarding effect on the 
bullet, while a 6 o’clock Wind accelerates the bullet’s 
flight. Or, to put it in another way, a wind blowing up 
the range from the target toward the firing point lowers 
the point where the bullet strikes the target, and a wind 
blowing down the range from the shooter to his mark 
raises the position of the hit. 

The following table shows the effects on elevations of 
12 or 6 o’clock winds blowing 10 miles per hour: 


79 


Corrections in Elevations for a 10-Mile-an-Hour Wind. 


6 o'clock Wind. 12 o’clock Wind. 


Amount Shot Amount Shot 

wiill go High will go Low 

if not Sight to if not Sight to 
Range. Corrected, be Lowered. Corrected, be Raised. 


100 yards 

.03 

inches 

1.0 yards 

.02 

inches 

0.9 

yards 

200 

it 

.12 

it 

2.0 

** 

.11 

“ 

2.0 


300 

" 

.41 

ft 

3.2 

if 

.40 

“ 

3.2 


400 

“ 

.69 


4.5 

ti 

.68 


4.4 

tt 

500 

tt 

1.4 

a 

6.1 

a 

1.3 


6.0 

it 

600 

ft 

2.5 

it 

8.0 

it 

2.4 


8.0 

a 

700 


4.4 

(t 

10.2 

ft 

4.3 


9.9 

a 

800 

it 

7.8 

it 

13.6 

a 

7.6 


13.3 

a 

900 


14.7 

it 

19.9 

tt 

14.1 


19.0 

ft 

1000 

it 

25.1 


26.7 


23.9 

“ 

25.5 



For other wind velocities, the corrections may be 
readily computed without appreciable error by assuming 
that these corrections are dlirectly proportional to the 
Wind velocities. The effect on elevations of winds blowing 
from 1, 5, 7, and 11 o’clock and necessary corrections 
may be found! by multiplying the figures in the above table 
by .866. For Winds blowing from 2, 4, 8, and 10 o’clock, 
divide the figures in the above table by 2. 


80 








CHAPTER ELEVEN. 

Designation and Deflecting Effect of Winds—Judging the 
Wind. 


Designation of Winds. 

To understand how the wind, blowing from a certain 
direction, is referred to, let the rifleman imagine himself 
standing in the center of the dial face of a large clock 
which is lying on the ground with the 12 toward the tar¬ 
get, the 6 behind Mm, the 3 directly to his right andi the 
9 directly to his left. 

When the wind is spoken of as a 12-o’clock wind, it 
will be a wind blowing from the direction of the 12. A 
6-o’clock wind will be one which comes from behind the 
firing point, blowing directly down the range toward the 
target. A 3-o’dlock wind is one blowing directly from 
right to left; and ,so on. A 2-o’clock wind comes from 
the direction of the 2 on the imaginary dial and blows 
diagonally across the range toward the 8 of the dial, 
while an 8-o’clock wind is just the reverse. 

By placing the large paper target, ruled and marked 
as described on page 62, on the ground or floor, pointing 
the 12 in the direction in which the target is supposed 
to be and standing upon the bull’s-eye facing the 12, each 
man may practice calling imaginary winds considered to 
be blowing from various directions. 

The strength, or force, of the wind is referred to in 
miles per hour; thus, a wind which is blowing at the rate 
of 16 mlil'es an hour is called a 16-mile wind. 

Deflecting Effect of Winds. 

Wind affects the motion of the bullet by deflecting 
it to the right or left and by retarding or accelerating its 
progress toward the Objective. 

The deflecting effect is the more important as the 
bullet is blown to one side on its way to the target, and 
unless the wind gauge is moved sufficiently to counteract 
this effect of the wind, the bullet will strike a distance 
to the right or left of the mark, depending upon the direc¬ 
tion and strength of the wind. 

The following table shows the deflection of the bullet 
caused by a wind blowing at the rate of 1 mile an hour 

81 



directly across the range from the right or the left— 
that is. a 3-o’clock or 9-o’clock wind: 


Deflecting Effect of a 1-Mile Wind, from 3 or 9 o’Clock. 


Deflection. 
.1 inches 


Range. 
100 yards 
200 


.3 

.8 

1.5 
2,4 

3.6 

5.1 
6.9 

9.1 
11.5 


300 

400 

500 

600 

700 

800 


900 

1000 


If a wind blows from the 2, 4, 8 or 10 o’clock direc¬ 
tions, t[he resulting deflections are less tihan when it 
blows directly across the range, and to obtain the de¬ 
flections caused by such winds the deflections in the above 
table are multiplied by .866. To obtain the deflections 
resulting from a wind blowing from 1, 5, 7 or 11 o’clock, 
divide the deflections in the table by 2. 

The deflection caused by a wind of any strength can 
be readily ascertained by multiplying the figures in the 
table by the strength of the wind expressed in miles 
per hour. For example, if shooting at the 600-yard range, 
a 10-mile wind from 3-O’clock would blow the bullet 36 
inches to tlhe Heft. As the target is 72 inches in, width, 
if no correction were made by moving the wind gauge, 
the bullet, instead of striking the center of the bull’s-eye, 
would just hit or miss the left-hand edge of the target. 
If the wind was of the same strength, but from say 1 
o’clock, the bullet would be blown only half the distance, 
or 18 inches. 

To counteract the deflecting effect of the wind on the 
bullet, a certain number of points of windage must be 
taken on the wind gauge. The following table shows 
how many points of windage must be used at the various 


82 




ranges for a 10-miles-an-hour wind from each of the 
various directions: 

Points of Windage Necessary to Correct a 10-Miles-an- 
Hour Wind. 


Range. 

3 or 9 o’clock. 

2, 4, 8 or 10 
o’clock. 

1, 5, 7 or 
o’clock. 

100 

yards 

0.2 {points 

0.2 points 

0.1 points 

200 

ti 

0.4 “ 

0.4 “ 

0.2 “ 

300 

it 

0.7 “ 

0.6 “ 

0.3 “ 

400 

u 

0.9 

0.8 “ 

0.5 “ 

500 

it 

1.2 “ 

1.0 “ 

0.6 “ 

600 

a 

1.5 “ 

1.3 “ 

0.7 “ 

700 

a 

1.8 “ 

1.6 “ 

0.9 “ 

800 

a 

2.2 

1.9 “ 

1.1 “ 

900 


2.5 “ 

2.2 

1.3 

1000 

a 

2.8 

2.4 “ 

1.4 


Since the deflecting power of a wind is directly pro¬ 
portional to its velocity, the proper corrections for any 
velocity of wind may be readily computed from the above 
table. 

Winds blowing from the 12 and 6 o’clock directions 
have no deflecting effect on the bullet, their only effect 
being to retard or accelerate its flight. 

Judging the Wind. 

The fCrce and direction of the wind must be studied, 
in order that proper allowances may be made to offset its 
effects on the bullet; the ability to properly judge wind 
being of the greatest value to> a rifleman. 

Movements of flags or streamers assist the firer in 
estimating the strength of the wind and in giving him 
the necessary information as to its direction. In the 
absence of such aids he will find that a handful of grass 
thrown into the air will help him, but the most reliable 
guide of all is mirage when it is present and can be seen. 

There is usually moisture in the ground, and when the 
heat of the sun acts on this moisture it causes what is 
known as mirage, the effect being that of heat waves or 
ripples, which can be seen flowing with the wind across 


83 










the face of the target. As Hudson says: “In observing 
the mirage through a telescope trained on the target, we 
practically see the movement of the air through which the 
bullet must pass in its flight.’’ 

Mirage causes the bull’s-eye and target to have a 
wavy and ill-defined appearance. When there is no wind 
blowing the mirage moves straight upwards from the 
ground and is said to be “boiling.” The slightest move¬ 
ment of the air affects the mirage, which is of the greatest 
assistance in showing the force of the wind and its direc¬ 
tion, especially when the wind is puffy or changing in 
strength. 

To observe mirage to the best advantage, a telescope 
is necessary; but even with the naked eye much help will 
be derived from a close observation of the mirage. 

The mirage will! indicate a change in the wind before 
the flags do, but do not neglect to watch the flags, if there 
are any, at every shot. The flag nearest the target is the 
most important, as it shows the wind which has the most 
effect on the bullet. 

When shooting in a gusty or “fishtail” wind—that is, 
one which is switching from one direction to another, the 
effort should be made to fire each shot under the same 
conditions. 

If in any doubt about a change of wind, make a suf- 
ficent change in the windage to stay in the bull’s-eye in 
case there should be no real change. 

Persistent practice in judging winds, and careful ob¬ 
servation of their effects on the bullet, will soon result 
in the rifleman becoming quite skillful in estimating the 
allowances which must be made. 


84 


CHAPTER TWELVE. 
Cleaning the Rifle after Firing. 


As the bore of the rifle is manufactured with great 
care in order that a high degree of accuracy may be 
obtained, it should be kept in as perfect condition as 
possible. 

The residuum from smokeless powder, which tends 
to corrode the bore, and a deposit of metallic fouling, 
have both to be removed. 

The bore must be cleaned as soon after firing as 
practicable. Cleaning between scores or between ranges, 
while permitted, is not necessary. 

First use patches saturated with Hoppe’s Powder Solv¬ 
ent No. 9, to remove powder fouling. Then wipe dry. 

A solution known as the “Ammonia Solution” gives 
the best results in removing the metallic fouling. The so¬ 
lution is mixed in the following proportions: 1 ounce of 
ammonium persulphate, 200 grains of ammonium carbonate, 
6 ounces of stronger ammonia containing 28 per cent of 
ammonia gas, and 4 ounces of water. 

If no scales are available for weighing the ingredients, 
they may be measured, and the equivalents are as follows: 

1 ounce of ammonium persulphate equals about one 
medium heaping spoonful. 

200 grains of ammonium carbonate equal one medium 
heaping spoonful. 

0 ounces of ammonia (28 per cent) equal three-eighths 
of a pint. 

4 ounces of water equal one-fourth of a pint. 

The spoon referred to is the spoon issued by the 
Ordnance Department of the Army for the mess outfit. 

Only enough solution should be mixed to last a few 
days. Keep it in a bottle with a rubber cork. Exact 
proportions are not of great importance and a small quan¬ 
tity can be mixed without accurately weighing or measur¬ 
ing the ingredients. 

Powder the persulphate and carbonate separately. Dis¬ 
solve the persuTphate in the ammonia and the carbonate in 


85 



the water and then pour the mixture in a strong bottle, and 
cork. The solution may be used in an hour. 

To use the solution, take the holt out of the rifle, 
wipe out the breech, and plug up the chamber with a 
rubber cork which has a string tied around its larger end, 
so that it may be readily removed. See that the cork is 
tight in the chamber. Place a 2-inch piece of rubber 
tubing on the muzzle of the rifle, so> that the solution will, 
cover the muzzle. IPOur the solution into the muzzle until 
the barrel is filled and the solution is part way up the 
rubber tubing. A small-sized measuring glass is very 
convenient for use in putting the solution into the barrel 
of the rifle. 

The solution will foam at the muzzle immediately 
after the barrel is filled. Be careful not to spill the solu¬ 
tion on the 1 outside of the rifle. Stand the rifle in a, plllace 
where there is no danger of it falling down and let the 
solution remain in the bore for not more than 10 minutes. 

Pour the solution from the barrel and place it in an¬ 
other bottle. When pouring it out it will be dark: blue in 
color and the metal fouling will have been dissolved. The 
same solution should be used not more than twice, but after 
it has been once used it should not be mixed with any 
unused solution. This solution is expensive and ought to 
be used economically. 

Remove the rubber tubing and pull the cork out of 
the chamber by aid of the string. The cork may be re¬ 
moved by inserting the cleaning rod carefully from the 
muzzle, but the other method is better. Never place the 
cleaning rod in the muzzle end' of the rifle if it can be 
avoided. 

Rest the muzzle on a piece of soft wood on the floor 
or ground; place a patch of Canton flannel or outing flan¬ 
nel in the breech and with the long brass cleaning rod 
push the patch completely through the bore and out at the 
muzzle. Then use other patches until the barrel is per- 


86 


fectly dry, working the rod, with a patch on the end of it, 
up and down the bore. 

Do not use th'in cloth, as the end of the rod wiill tear 
through the patch, which will catch in the bore and be 
difficult to remove. 

Great care must be taken to remove the solution from 
all metal parts of the rifle, as it may start rusting in a 
very short time. 

Clean the muzzle, inspect the bore to see that it is 
clean and bright, and then use a patch saturated with 
Hoppe’s Powder Solvent No. 9, pushing the patch back and 
forth through the bore with the cleaning rod. Allow 
the Powder Solvent to remain in the bore when the rifle 
is not in use. If No. 9 is not available, use Three-in-One 
Oil. 

If the rifle is not used every day, it should be cleaned 
daily for a few days, as it has been found that the powder 
gases are probably forced into the texture of the steel and 
will, if additional cleaniiigs are not resorted to, cause 
rusting, no matter how thoroughly the bore may have 
been cleaned at first. 

If a cleaning ( rod is not at hand, the barrel should be 
cleaned as thoroughly as possible by means of the thong 
brush and rags. To clean or oil the bore with rags, the 
thong brush is unscrewed, the rag placed in the rag slot 
of the thong tip and drawn from the muzzle toward the 
breech. 

When the rifle is to be laid away or not used, a light 
coating of cosmo 1 ine or cosmic oil should be used on the 
bore and chamber, after all fouling is certainly removed. 


87 


CHAPTER THIRTEEN. 

Exercise and Care of Health.—Equipment and Accesso¬ 
ries.—The Score Book. 


Exercise and Care of Health. 

A successful rifleman must be in excellent physical 
condition. A regular course of training is not practicable 
lor most men, nor is it necessary, but the man who ex¬ 
pects to shoot well must observe the rules for health and 
keep himself in trim. 

Take as much exercise out of doors as possible, and 
each morning before breakfast go through some brisk 
strenuous exercises to get rid of muscular nervousness. 

Do not eat food which is not easily digested; eat 
moderately of wholesome food, avoiding an over-loading 
of the stomach, and keep the bowels acting regularly. 

Be sure to get regular sleep each night and plenty of 
it. No one can remain up late at' night and be in con¬ 
dition to shoot his, best the next day. 

Excessive smoking is injurious to the heart and the 
eyes. It is better to quit smoking during the practice 
season, but at least tobacco should be used in moderation. 

Do not drink intoxicating liquor of any kind in any 
quantity. 

Coffee is a stimulant and it should not be used. 

Take care of the .eyes and avoid straining them bv 
reading in poor light or when on moving vehicles. 
Never read when lying down and do not use the eyes to 
excess in artificial light. Amber-colored glasses are ex¬ 
cellent to protect the eyes in a strong sunlight, but 1 most 
men find that tihe glasses should be removed <a few 
minutes before beginning to shoot. 

Equipment and Accessories. 

The clothing worn when shooting should be com¬ 
fortable and pads sewed on the elbows and right shoulder 
of the coat or shirt are very desirable. The collar of the 
coat or shirt must be loose. 

Some of the articles needed in cleaning and caring 
for the rifle have been referred to. They include a long 


88 



brass cleaning rad, rags, Canton flannel or outing flanneli 
for patches, a pair of scissors, a pocket knife, gasoline, 
ammonia solution, Hoppe’s Powder Solvent No. 9, Three- 
in-One olli, oiler, cosmollne or cosmic oil, a block of wood 
on which to rest the muzzle of the rifle, a rubber cork 
with string attached for the breech, a short piece of rub¬ 
ber tubing,, some soft wood sticKs and toothpicks, a 
measuring glass, a screwdriver, some gum camphor and 
matches. 

In the butt of the rifle an opening is provided for 
holding the oiler and thong case, which should alwayis be 
carried in the rifle available for use. The leather-tipped 
cap on the oiler and thong case should be next to the butt 
plate cap In the oiler a small supply of oil for lubrica¬ 
tion of the working parts of the rifle is carried and the 
thong and brush are placed in their compartment at the 
other end of the case. 

Have a small satchel or bag for use as a “dope bag,” 
in which to carry the small articles that are needed on 
the range. It should have a long strap on it, so that it 
may be slung over the shoulder. 

Carry a score book and pencil to the firing point and 
record every shot fired. Make a note of the weather con¬ 
ditions, including the wind, light and temperature, and 
show the elevation and windage used for each shot. Most 
score books have a target printed on each page on which 
the position! of each hit can be marked. The Bull’s-eye 
Score Book by Major Johnston is an excellent one and 
contains full instructions for properly scoring all shots 
fired. The use of a score book when shooting at targets 
is absolutely necessary if any progress is to be made. 

A watch is very convenient to have, and a small ther¬ 
mometer, while not a necessity, will help in estimating 
the changes in elevation made necessary by different 
temperatures. 

Mjarble’s jointed rifle rod is a good and convenient 
rod to carry in the “dope bag” for use in case of emer¬ 
gency. It is No. 9728, .28 to .35 caliber, 32-inch, made 


89 


of brass with a steel core, and can be procured from fclie 
Marble Safety Axe Company, Gladstone, Michigan. 

Use a rifle rest which can be stuck into the ground, 
upon which to place the rifle when not firing. It prevents 
the rifle from being injured, keeps the muzzle up off the 
ground so that dirt does not get into it, and the stack is 
protected from the moisture of the earth. A forked stick 
will answer the purpose if nothing better is available. 
An excellent and cheap rifle rest can be procured from 
Thomas J. Conroy, 28 John Street, New York. 

The Elliott ear-protectors are a great comfort when 
firing, especially at rapid fire, Cotton may be used in the 
ears if it is preferred. 

To prevent slipping, use powdered rosin on the elbows 
and right shoulder of the shirt or coat, and also on the 
knees of the breeches when firing in the kneeling or sitting 
positions. 

The front sight caver is to be kept on at all times 
when not actually firing. Whether it is used or not when 
firing is a matter for each individual to decide for himself. 
It protects the front' sight from injury, prevents the black¬ 
ening being rubbed from the sight, lessens the effect of 
the changes of light when shooting; same shooters find 
it valuable as a check on centering the front sight in the 
peep sight, and some use it as an ai5 in aiming during 
rapid fire with the battle sight when it is necessary to aim 
below the figure at the short ranges. The front sight 
cover should not be kept on when shooting if a large¬ 
sized peep sight, such as a No. 6, is used, as the top 
of the sight cover is then visible through the peep sight 
and a false idea of the center of the peep sight is apt tp 
be conveyed to the shooter. 

Several patterns of front sight covers to protect the 
muzzle and front sight when the rifle is not in ulse are 
manufactured and it is very advisable to have one and 
keep it on when not firing. These not only protect the 
sight itself, but guard the muzzle from injury and assist 
in preventing rust in the bore. 

Covers for the rear sight can also be procured and 
the use of one will help to protect the rear sight against 
accidental damage and Will also protect the blackening, 


90 


which] is likely to be rubbed off on the way to the range 
or during 1 the intervals between scores. 

The most expert riflemen use a small telescope on 
the flange, adjusted on rests so that the mirage can be 
observed by the shooter before firing each shot. In using 
a telescope for this purpose, the firer will focus it on the 
target and then throw it -slightly out of focus by lengthen¬ 
ing it. The mirage can be seen to better advantage when 
the telescope is a little out of focus. Do not throw the 
telescope out of focus by shortening it, as that will cause 
the mirage to appear to be running in a contrary direction 
to its real course. 

If the rifle, when not in use, is kept in an arms rack 
or other place where it is liable to become dusty, keep a 
gun cover on it for protection. 


91 


CHAPTER FOURTEEN. 

Suggestions to Riflemen on the Target Range. 


The greatest aid to good shooting is the use of extreme 
care with every shot fired. “Good enough” won’t do. 
Uniless the rifleman is able and willing to exercise the 
utmost care, he cannot expect satisfactory results. 

Before 'Commencing the day’s firing, wipe out the 
barrel of the rifle, using patches saturated with gasoline, 
to remove all oil or powder solvent from the bore and 
chamber. If this is not done, the first few shots fired 
will be very apt to go wild. 

Wipe the oil from the ooching piece and sear, asi it 
interferes with a clean, even “squeeze.” 

Before going to the firing point, be sure that the 
blackening has not been rubbed from the sights, and 
look through the bore to see that there is no obstruction 
in it. } 

Take to the firing point enough cartridges foi* sight¬ 
ing shots and the complete score. Keep the cartridges out 
of the hot sun, and do not wet them. 

When firing in the prone position, a comfortable plac¬ 
ing of the elbows on the ground and care to secure a 
good steady position will tell in the score. Make a little 
hole in the ground for each elbow if possible; get close 
to the ground; spread the legs well apart, with feet turned 
down and not resting on the toes. 

Do not adjust elevations for the open sight and then 
use the peep sight, or the reverse. This happens very fre¬ 
quently, especially when men use the open sight for some 
classes of fire and! the peep sight for others. 

Firing on the wrong target is a mistake quite often 
made and one which must be constantly guarded against. 

An occasional miss may be avoided by always assur¬ 
ing oneself that the rear sight is correctly adjusted. At 
each shot during silfow fire, before aiming, the rear sight 
should 'be looked at, to see that it is set for the proper 
elevation and windage. The jar to the rifle when fired 
often loosens the slide binding screw which holds the 
slide in place and the latter will slip down without being 
noticed and a miss will result. The taking of wind' allow- 


92 



ance on the wrong side has been the cause of many a 
bad shot. At rapid fire the same precautions should be 
taken before the score is commenced. 

Hold hard with the right hand. This is especally im¬ 
portant when shooting off-hand. The rifleman should not 
let the usq of the silling incline him to forget this hard 
holding with the right hand. 

Press the jaw hard against the stock of the rifle; 
this will assist materially in the steadiness of the aim. 

Hold firmly and evenly, always the same. Fire each 
shot as if life depended on it, and don’t worry about past 
bad shots. 

Harden the heart against a loose “let-off”; keep the 
eye open at the moment of firing, and don’t “flinch.” 

Don’t get careless with any shot. The sights and the 
bull’s-eye must always appear the same. Never fire a shot 
at slow fire until perfectly sure that everything looks 
right. 

Don’t aim too long; take the rifle down from the 
shoulder and rest; a slight change in aim is not noticed 
quick enough by the eye if the aim is continued too long. 

It is a great mistake to fire a shot when anything 
looks wrong. If there is any doubt as to whether the 
front Sight is centered in the peep sight or as to whether 
the firer is seeing the accustomed amount of white under¬ 
neath the bul'l’s-eye, don’t fire. Take the rifle down and 
make a fresh start. The eye may be tired and the bull’s- 
eye become blurred—don’t fire. 

Take a last look at the flags or the mirage, to see if 
the wind has changed, and then get the shot off as 
quickly as is consistent with good, careful aiming. 

On firing a shot, the rifleman should observe the aim 
at the moment the trigger was squeezed, continue the 
aim a moment after firing, call to himself where the shot 
is expelcted to hit, puHl back the bolt, and watch the mark¬ 
ing of the shot. 

Open the bolt every time the gun is taken down 
from the shoulder. This avoids accidents, allows the rifle 


93 


to cool, and prevents accidental discharge due to the fact 
that the trigger has been partly squeezed. 

When in the bull’s-eye and a change of conditions 
occurs, don’t be afraid to move the sight enough. G-o 
boldly for every indicated change of weather conditions, 
making the correction before firing the shot. 

Do not shift the point of aim. Change the rear sight 
to correct the position of the succeeding shot on the tar¬ 
get whenever necessary. 

Every shot steadily fired which is a miss shows where 
the target is not. More is learned from poor 1 shots than 
from hits in the bull’s-eye. 

Keep the eyes off the target as much as possible and 
don’t, rub them. 

Each man should stick to making his own score and 
not heed scores made by some one else. Try to beat the 
target, not some other man. 

Determination—a steady, untiring, unflinching resolve 
that every shot shall be well fired—is the key-note to 
success. 


W289 




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